We have good news for you lovebirds out there. Experts have discovered that married couples are at a lower risk of developing dementia.

 

The study found that there is a strong link between dementia and your levels of social interaction.

 

People who are single or widowed are more likely to develop the disease, due to their social interactions.

 

The team believe that people who are married or in a serious relationship have healthier lifestyles, due to their stronger support network.

 

Dr Laura Phipps of Alzheimer’s Research UK told the Guardian, “People who are married tend to be financially better off, a factor that is closely interwoven with many aspects of our health.”

 

 

Over 800,000 people took part in their study. Participants came from Asia, North and South America and Europe.

 

The researchers found that people who were widows were at a 20 percent increased risk of developing dementia.

 

Divorced couples who were involved in the study showed no elevated risk.

 

Single people were 42 percent more likely to develop dementia, compared to married couples.

 

The experts believe that married people may have stronger social circles compared to single people and widows.

 

 

They said that their social engagements may be higher too, which can reduce stress levels.

 

Losing a loved one can have an intense impact on your stress levels. The team believe that people who have been widowed may be at a greater risk of developing dementia due to their heightened levels of stress after losing their other half.

 

The study was published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.

 

Dr Philipps added, “Research suggests that social interaction can help to build cognitive reserve – a mental resilience that allows people to function for longer with a disease like Alzheimer’s before showing symptoms."

 

 

She shared that being physically, mentally and socially active are necessary, and they are things everyone can strive towards, no matter what their relationship status is.

 

According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, someone in the world develops dementia every three seconds.

 

It is understood that there are nearly 50 million people living with dementia worldwide.

 

This number will almost double every 20 years, reaching 75 million in 2030 and 131.5 million in 2050.

 

However, Alzheimer’s Disease International believe that early diagnosis and early intervention can help manage the symptoms.

 

There are also many therapies and medications that dementia patients can use to help manage the disease.

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