Want to avoid dementia? Get married, research suggests
The Telegraph 28 November 2017
Family First Comment: Another good reason to promote marriage
Getting 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 which held data on dementia and marital status involving more than 800,000 people across Europe, North and South America, and Asia.
Their 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 those who are married.
People who have been widowed had a 20 per cent increased risk compared with married people, they found, although no elevated risk was found among divorcees compared with those who were still married.
The researchers, led by experts from University College London, said that previous research has shown that married people may adopt healthier lifestyles.
They may also be more likely to be socially engaged than people living alone.
READ MORE: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/11/28/want-avoid-dementia-get-married-research-suggests/
