One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime, with around one million people across a variety of age groups already affected by the devastating illness.
But while several factors have been linked to the condition, including things such as diet, genetics and poor physical health – new research has now identified a link between the disease and three specific personality traits.
The study, which was conducted by US researchers at Californian-based thinktank RAND, examined the lives of over 20,000 participants over 50 to estimate their likelihood of developing the memory-robbing condition and identified 12 variable factors that impacted risk, including things like suffering a stroke or being obese.
Yet it was the discovery of three personality traits in particular that intrigued scientists, after they were able to link the condition to individuals who weren’t career driven, being less conscientious and having low engagement in hobbies.
Other more practical factors beyond personality involved alcohol drinking habits, such as rarely drinking or drinking too much, never exercising, scoring low on physical tests, having lower cognitive abilities or having functional limitations. Yet while the initial three personality traits were linked to dementia, the study was quick to assure the public that they did not cause the condition, reports the Daily Mail.
In a report detailing their discoveries, the researchers stated: « Older individuals striving to maintain high cognitive function for a longer time might benefit from early lifestyle modifications, such as performing physical exercise, working additional years, engaging in hobbies and novel information activities after retirement, and maintaining good physical health. «
However, they also noted: « The estimated effects of the psychosocial measures vary widely across models assessed, and we did not see a clear pattern. For example, engaging in hobbies and novel information activities is protective against dementia incidence in two years but not in four years. »
« Having a conscientious personality is estimated to be protective against dementia incidence in four years but not in two years. Therefore, these results are somewhat sensitive. »
Nevertheless, by highlighting these risk factors now, they hope that more people will take proactive steps to reduce their chances of developing the condition in the future.
This research seems to build on similar findings from a significant study conducted in July, which suggested that nearly half of all Alzheimer’s cases could be prevented by addressing 14 lifestyle factors from childhood.
In a groundbreaking study published in July, scientists identified two new major risk factors that could lead to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease – vision loss and high cholesterol. Together, these two elements were found to be responsible for approximately 1 in 10 cases of Alzheimer’s worldwide.
The research, which was featured in The Lancet, also underscored existing contributors to the illness, including smoking, lack of physical activity, heavy alcohol consumption, social isolation, and air pollution. These factors combined were linked to nearly 4 in 10 cases.
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