Why marriage is associated with an increased risk of dementia

Analysis: A new study found that the effects of the relationship between dementia and brain health are much more complicated than previously thought

by Avinash Chandra, Queen Mary University of London

Would you believe me if I told you to be single or end your marriage could reduce your chances of developing dementia? New research led by researchers Florida State University It's a bit shocking I'll suggest This means that unmarried people are less likely to develop dementia.

If you think you heard the opposite, you are right. 2019 Survey Found Unmarried people are “a significantly more likely to develop dementia during the study period than married counterparts.” Certainly, married people are generally considered to have better health. Research shows that they reduce the risk they have Heart disease and stroke And they tend to do I'll live a long life.

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So why did this new study come up with this surprising discovery? Let's take a closer look. The researchers analyzed data from more than 24,000 Americans without dementia at the start of the study. Participants were followed for up to 18 years. Importantly, the team compared dementia rates between marital couples: married, divorced, widowed, unmarried.

Initially, all three unmarried groups appeared to have a lower risk of dementia compared to the married group. However, only non-diety people were at a lower risk of dementia after considering other factors that could affect outcomes such as smoking and depression.

There were also differences depending on the type of dementia. For example, being unmarried was associated with a consistently low risk. Alzheimer's disease,most Common forms of dementia. But that is not shown Vascular dementia – A rare form of conditions. Researchers also found that divorced and unmarried people are unlikely to make progress Mild cognitive impairment Dementia and those who became widows during the study were at a lower risk of dementia.

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Possible explanation

What is one reason for the unexpected outcome? Married people may be diagnosed previously as they notice memory problems and have a spouse who promotes doctor visits. This may make dementia appear more common among married people.

This is called Confirmation bias – When data is distorted for someone who is more easily diagnosed or noticed. However, this evidence was not strong. All participants received annual visits from physicians who could be considered surrogate partners to detect early signs of dementia in participants.

Perhaps a sample of people who used it from was true National Alzheimer's Disease Correction Center (NACC) Studydid not represent a larger population. Specifically, the sample showed low levels of ethnicity and income diversity. In addition, almost 64% of participants were married. This can affect how these unexpected discoveries translate into the wider world. They may have been unique to NACC participants.

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However, these findings are likely to highlight how complex the effects of marriage confusion, transition and choice on brain health are indeed. Marriage is by no means an established protective factor for dementia, and by showing a previous meta-analysis (study of research). mixture result.

A new study from Florida State University uses one of the largest samples to date to investigate this issue, and is quite heavy. It highlights that assumption based on previous research on widows and divorces It's a very stressful life event That can be done Causes Alzheimer's disease Or it Unmarried people are socially isolated Therefore, there is a high risk of dementia and is not always correct.

These findings highlight how complicated the effects of marriage disruption, transition and choice on brain health are truly

The dynamics of relationships are never easy. As mentioned in the paper, such dynamics could “provide a more nuanced understanding than a simple binary effect.” Factors such as marriage quality, post-divorce satisfaction, cultural considerations, or sociability among singles compared to combined ones may help explain these seemingly contradictory outcomes.

This research challenges the idea that marriage is automatically good for brain health. Instead, it suggests that the effects of relationships on dementia are much more complicated. It may not be the state of your relationship that matters, but how do you feel supported, connected, and fulfilled?

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Avinash Chandra Postdoctoral researcher in neurology Queen Mary University of London. This article was originally published conversation.

The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect those of RTé.