Last Updated:April 29, 2025, 17:27 IST
A new study has revealed a surprising link that married people may be at a higher risk of developing dementia, a serious brain disease, than their unmarried counterparts
The findings were unexpected as married individuals showed the highest risk of dementia among all groups. (News18 Hindi)
The wedding season is in full swing, and many couples are beginning a new chapter in life together. Traditionally, marriage marks the beginning of a new life and is often seen as beneficial in many ways. Numerous studies have suggested that married individuals tend to enjoy better health than those who are unmarried.
However, a new study has revealed a surprising link that married people may be at a higher risk of developing dementia, a serious brain disease.
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According to a Times of India report, recent research conducted in the United States has found that marriage could increase the risk of dementia. Celine Karakos and her team at Florida State University tracked over 24,000 American adults for 18 years. The average age of participants was 72, and they were divided into four groups: married, widowed, divorced, and never married. The findings were unexpected as married individuals showed the highest risk of dementia among all groups.
The study revealed that people who had never married had a 40% lower risk of developing dementia compared to other groups. Divorced individuals had a 34% lower risk, while widowed participants had a 27% lower risk. The report shows the highest risk to married people. These figures were adjusted for age and gender. Interestingly, the results contradict earlier studies, which suggested that marriage offers emotional support and protection against mental decline.
It has long been believed that marriage helps individuals stay socially connected and maintain a healthier lifestyle, thereby reducing the risk of mental illnesses. Married people are often thought to benefit from stronger immune systems, lower stress levels, and more regular routines, all of which contribute to better mental health. However, this new research challenges those assumptions.
While the study did not pinpoint a clear reason for the increased dementia risk among married individuals, it suggested a few possibilities. Married people may have limited social networks and lower self-reliance. The responsibilities of caring for a partner and the potential stress within married life could also negatively impact brain health. Another theory is that unmarried individuals may undergo medical testing less frequently, meaning cases of dementia in this group might go undiagnosed.
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Location :United States of America (USA)
First Published:April 29, 2025, 17:27 IST
News lifestyle Married People At Greater Risk Of This Brain Disease, New Research Reveals