Handshaking is a common social custom that has been around for centuries. It is often used to greet people, introduce oneself, or seal a deal. However, recent research indicates that handshaking might not be as harmless as we think.

In fact, some studies have linked handshakes to an increased risk of developing dementia.

What is dementia?

Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in mental ability that is severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities.

Dementia is often associated with aging, although it can occur in younger people as well. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for up to 70% of cases.

What are the risk factors for dementia?

The exact cause of dementia is not known, but there are several risk factors that have been identified. These include:.

Age
Family history
Genetics
Head injury
Poor cardiovascular health
Lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet)

What is the link between handshakes and dementia?

A study conducted by the University of West Virginia School of Medicine found that people who had a weak grip strength, which is often measured through a handshake test, were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia later in life. The study followed over 2,800 people aged 65 and older for a period of four years.

Another study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that handgrip strength was associated with cognitive performance in both younger and older adults.

The study found that lower handgrip strength was linked to poorer cognitive performance, and that this association was stronger in older adults.

How does handgrip strength affect the brain?

The exact mechanism by which handgrip strength affects the brain is not fully understood. However, some researchers believe that handgrip strength might be an indicator of overall muscle strength, which in turn is linked to brain health.

Other researchers suggest that handgrip strength might be a marker of inflammation, which is known to be associated with an increased risk of dementia.

What are the implications of these findings?

The link between handshakes and dementia risk is still being studied, and more research is needed to confirm the findings. However, these studies suggest that handgrip strength might be a useful tool for predicting cognitive decline in older adults.

Measuring handgrip strength could potentially be used to identify individuals who are at higher risk of developing dementia, allowing for early intervention and treatment.

Conclusion

Handshaking is a common social custom that has been around for centuries. However, recent research suggests that handgrip strength, which is often measured through a handshake test, might be linked to an increased risk of dementia.

While more research is needed to confirm these findings, measuring handgrip strength could be a useful tool for predicting cognitive decline in older adults.