Marriage can be a wonderful thing. It can provide love, support, and companionship.

But did you know that marriage can also have an impact on your chances of developing dementia? There have been many studies over the years that have looked at the link between marriage and dementia. In this article, we’ll explore what those studies have found, and what you can do to reduce your risk of developing dementia.

Marriage and Dementia: The Studies

So, what have these studies found? The general consensus is that being married can be beneficial when it comes to reducing your risk of developing dementia.

One study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry found that married adults had a lower risk of developing dementia than those who were single, separated, divorced, or widowed.

The study tracked over 800,000 participants and found that those who were married had a 43% lower risk of developing dementia than those who were single.

Another study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Series B found that married adults had a slower rate of cognitive decline than those who were single or divorced.

The study tracked over 6,000 participants over a period of 12 years and found that those who were married had a 70% slower rate of cognitive decline than those who were single or divorced.

Why Does Marriage Reduce Your Risk of Dementia?

So, why does marriage seem to be protective when it comes to reducing your risk of dementia? There are a few theories.

First, being married often means that you have a built-in support system. Your spouse can help you with tasks that may become more difficult as you age, such as grocery shopping, household chores, and managing finances.

Having someone to rely on can reduce your stress levels and help you maintain your cognitive function.

Second, being married often means that you have a social network. Your spouse may have friends and family who become your friends and family, which means that you have a larger social network than you would if you were single.

Having a social network has been linked to a reduced risk of dementia, as social interaction can help keep your brain active and stimulated.

Finally, being married often means that you have a partner to engage in activities with. Whether it’s going for walks, playing board games, or traveling, having someone to do things with can keep your brain active and engaged.

Engaging in stimulating activities has been linked to a reduced risk of dementia.

What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk of Dementia?

If you’re not married, or if you’re married but want to reduce your risk of dementia even further, there are a few things you can do.

First, make sure that you’re engaging in activities that are mentally stimulating. This can include taking classes, reading, playing games, or doing puzzles.

Second, make sure that you’re staying physically active. Exercise has been linked to a reduced risk of dementia, so try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.

Third, make sure that you’re eating a healthy diet. A diet that’s high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in sugar and saturated fats, has been linked to a reduced risk of dementia.

Finally, make sure that you’re getting enough sleep. Sleep is important for maintaining cognitive function, so aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

Conclusion

While being married can’t guarantee that you won’t develop dementia, studies have found that it can help reduce your risk. If you’re not married, or if you’re married but want to further reduce your risk, there are steps you can take.

Engage in mentally stimulating activities, stay physically active, eat a healthy diet, and get enough sleep. By taking care of your brain and your body, you can help reduce your risk of developing dementia.