Higher optimism may lower dementia risk in older adults

Higher optimism may lower dementia risk in older adults

Higher optimism in adults aged 70 and older was associated with a lower risk of developing dementia over up to 14 years of follow-up in the Health and Retirement Study. The association remained after adjustment for demographic factors, depression, health conditions, smoking, and physical activity, although the study was observational and cannot prove causation.

An Optimistic Attitude Could Protect Against Dementia

A positive attitude may go a long way toward reducing the likelihood of developing dementia , according to new research. The 14-year study, which was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society , found a clear link between higher levels of optimism and a lower risk of cognitive decline .e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629118a62b1-6642-4caf-921f-7f9f9dc39654 “This is one of the strongest studies I’ve seen on dementia and optimism…