Being married may reduce dementia risk

BEING married could significantly reduce the chances of developing dementia, a new study suggests.

Levels of social interaction may explain the finding, experts have said, after the research showed that people who are single or widowed are more likely to develop the disease.

Researchers analysed 15 previous studies involving more than 800,000 people across Europe, North and South America, and Asia.

The study, published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, found that those who are single throughout their life have a 42 per cent increased risk of dementia compared with those who are married.

People who have been widowed had a 20 per cent increased risk, although no elevated risk was found among divorcees. The researchers, led by experts from University College London, said that previous research had shown that married people may adopt healthier lifestyles. They are also more likely to be socially engaged.

Meanwhile, the effect observed in people who have been widowed could be due to stress that comes with bereavement. Another explanation could be that developing dementia could be related to other underlying cognitive or personality traits, the study said.