Unveiling the Personality Traits Linked to Dementia Risk

A recent meta-analysis of eight studies involving over 44,000 participants found a link between certain personality traits and the risk of developing dementia. Individuals with high levels of neuroticism and negative affect had a higher risk of dementia, while those with low levels of conscientiousness, extroversion, and positive affect also had an increased risk. However, the study did not find a direct causation between personality and evidence of underlying disease. Lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, managing heart health, having a social support system, engaging in mentally stimulating activities, and wearing a helmet during activities that carry a risk of head injury can help decrease the risk of dementia.