The Surprising Risks for Divorcees

A study conducted by Michigan State University reveals that married individuals are less likely to experience dementia as they age, while divorcees are about twice as likely to develop the condition. The stress stemming from a divorce appears to be a significant factor in this correlation.

Researchers suggest that the connection between marital status and dementia may relate to the level of daily social interactions.

Merely getting married is insufficient to ward off dementia; maintaining a marriage is crucial.

This realization raises concerns for me. Many married couples I know seem to endure their relationships rather than enjoy them. This has led me to decline every marriage proposal I've received.

It's time for me to shift my perspective.

Understanding Dementia

Dementia refers to the gradual deterioration of cognitive function, impacting decision-making, memory, and thought processes. It can lead to personality alterations, including increased irritability and aggression, with Alzheimer's disease being the most prevalent form. Although aging itself doesn’t cause dementia, the risk does escalate with age.

Numerous loved ones of mine exhibit signs of dementia or have been diagnosed with it. I see clear changes in their cognitive abilities; they struggle with understanding concepts they once grasped, and their memories are often unreliable.

My uncle spent his final days in a nursing home due to dementia. Despite being married, he experienced significant stress, which is a well-known risk factor.

His previously calm demeanor changed dramatically. The doctor prescribed medications to manage his newfound aggression. His memory faded, and he began to forget most of his family. Eventually, he lost the ability to walk, speak, or feed himself. Witnessing the decline of the vibrant, sociable man I once knew was heartbreaking.

The Impact of Social Engagement

Despite my uncle's social nature, studies show that socially active 60-year-olds have a significantly lower risk of developing dementia compared to their socially inactive peers. The research emphasizes the importance of engaging with friends rather than just family.

Regardless of age, maintaining friendships is vital. Social engagement helps exercise memory and language skills, which is beneficial for mental health.

Dietary Choices and Dementia Risk

Before you indulge in your next meal, consider this.

The National Academy of Neurology (NAN) has found that consuming highly processed meats, like sausages, alongside starchy foods, such as potatoes, can heighten dementia risk. The same applies when these meats are paired with alcohol or sugary snacks. The NAN concludes that not just the quantity but how we consume food may be critical in preventing dementia.

I recall visiting my grandparents regularly. During one visit after church, I joyfully greeted my grandfather. However, my grandmother surprised me with her sudden energy and then asked, “And whom might you be?” That moment threw me off, and I wondered if she was experiencing early-stage dementia.

Afterward, she embraced me and offered treats, linking her forgetfulness to her meal of sausage and potatoes earlier that day. This incident made me ponder whether her meal contributed to her momentary lapse.

Since then, I have ceased consuming bacon and other processed meats, as I want to avoid anything potentially linked to dementia.

Additional Dementia Risk Factors

Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT) can also be detrimental. A University College London study suggests that engaging in persistent negative thoughts may raise the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Such thinking patterns often stem from underlying beliefs of inadequacy or distrust.

Your living environment may also pose risks. Proximity to highways or major roads has been associated with a higher risk of dementia due to air pollution.

Financial circumstances matter too. According to research, individuals with limited financial resources later in life are nearly twice as likely to develop dementia compared to wealthier individuals.

Are you getting enough REM sleep? This sleep stage is critical, and a study by the American Academy of Neurology indicates that insufficient REM sleep can predict dementia onset.

Even if you exercise regularly, the type of exercise matters. Research highlights the need for high cardiovascular fitness in midlife to significantly reduce the likelihood of developing dementia later on, by nearly 90 percent!

Unexpected Non-Lifestyle Factors

Interestingly, being a woman doubles the likelihood of developing dementia compared to men, with menopause being a potential contributor.

Furthermore, undergoing gynecological surgeries, such as a hysterectomy, especially at a younger age, correlates with a greater risk of cognitive impairment.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can more than double the risk of dementia, with onset occurring, on average, seven years earlier for those with IBD.

Commonly Recognized Dementia Risk Factors

• Smoking
• Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol
• Stress
• Brain injury
• Age
• Heavy alcohol consumption

Chronic heavy drinking is the leading risk factor for early-onset dementia (under 65). Those with alcohol use disorders may see their life expectancy reduced by over 20 years, with dementia being a leading cause of death within this demographic.

Additionally, it's noteworthy that African-Americans are twice as likely to develop dementia compared to Whites, while Hispanics are 1.5 times more likely.

Regardless of your age, ethnicity, or gender, taking proactive steps now can help prevent cognitive decline in the future. Your marital and financial status, along with dietary choices, could significantly influence your brain health as you age.

I am committed to doing everything possible to preserve my mental clarity. Discovering these unexpected, research-backed dementia risk factors equips me with the knowledge needed to make informed choices.