Why you REALLY should find yourself a partner: Singletons are 40% more likely to develop dementia than those happily married Those single in old age or widowed are the most likely to develop the disease British scientists said that married couples tend to be more socially active This has been shown to increase cognitive reserve – which improves brain health Singletons are around 40 per cent more likely to develop dementia than married people, researchers found. People who are single into old age or who are widowed are most likely to develop the disease. Experts suggested this could be because married couples generally tend to be more socially active, have more frequent conversations, eat more healthily and take more physical exercise than people who are single or widowed. All of these activities have been shown to increase cognitive reserve – which improves brain health and helps protects against dementia. People who are single into old age or who are widowed are most likely to develop dementia Lead researcher Dr Andrew Sommerlad, of University College London, said: 'It's not the process of getting married or having a ring on your finger that protects you against the development of dementia. 'But I think what this study tells us is about the lifestyle factors that might come along with marriage which might affect someone's risk of developing dementia.' How was the research carried out? Researchers from University College London analysed 14 studies which contained data on more than 800,000 people aged over 65. They found single people were at a 42 per cent higher risk of developing dementia compared to married people, while widows or widowers were at a 20 per cent higher risk. But, surprisingly, there was no increased risk for people who were divorced. The scientists suggested the link was most likely down to lifestyle factors, as they had already taken age and gender into account. Poor physical health Single people were statistically more likely to have poor physical health, which is linked to developing dementia. And widowed people were more likely to have lower levels of education, which is also linked to a higher risk of the disease. But even once health and education levels were factored in, single people and widows were still 23 and 12 per cent more at risk of dementia than married people. Dr Sommerlad said the social aspects of being married could help protect the brain. More lifetime interaction He added: 'I think it is likely to be explained by the fact married people have more lifetime interaction with other people. That is stimulating to your brain and it gives you more strategies to be able to cope with the damage to your brain that dementia causes – what's known as cognitive reserve.' A similar effect was also likely to be seen in people who were in a long-term relationship with a partner, but participants in the study were all born before 1950 and tended to be married rather than co-habiting. The effect of bereavement There was no clear reason why divorced people did not have the same increased risk as widows, but Dr Sommerlad said they may have a more active life and maintain their level of social activity by interacting with children, friends or new partners. 'Other studies have found the process of bereavement is extremely distressing,' he added. 'So it could be the effect of this stress that affects [widows'] ability to cope.' He now plans to investigate how social contact could help protect against dementia. 'Compelling research' Dr Laura Phipps of Alzheimer's Research UK, said: 'There is compelling research showing married people generally live longer and enjoy better health, with many different factors likely to be contributing to that link. 'People who are married tend to be financially better off, a factor that is closely interwoven with many aspects of our health. Spouses may help to encourage healthy habits, look out for their partner's health and provide important social support. 'Staying physically, mentally, and socially active are all important aspects of a healthy lifestyle and these are things everyone, regardless of their marital status, can work towards.' MARRIAGE IS NO LONGER A DEFENCE The pace of modern life means that marriage may no longer be a defence against ill-health. Research published last week showed the once-wide gap in the wellbeing of those who marry and those who do not has vanished. One theory is couples now spend less time together and are under much more acute economic pressure. It is also thought people rely more on social-media friends than partners for emotional support. Research in the past showed getting married was a good way – especially for men – to live longer. The latest study examined changes in the link between marriage and health by splitting 12,000 people born between 1955 and 1984 into three groups. In the eldest group, better health was noted in married adults compared to singletons, researchers noted in Social Science Quarterly. However, such differences faded in the middle group and disappeared completely in those who had married most recently. Source
