A new study of more than 9,000 older adults, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, out of the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, finds that older people who are more optimistic have a lower risk of dementia.
An earlier study found a connection between optimism and cognitive longevity. But, it was not clear from the study whether optimism promoted cognitive longevity or whether people whose cognition begins to fail become less optimistic.
The study participants were in good cognitive health and completed surveys about their optimism levels every four years. Researchers gave them a score based on their inputs. Not only were people who were more optimistic, less likely to develop dementia, every 1-standard deviation increase in a person’s optimism–essentially a step up from average optimism to noticeably more optimistic than average–decreased that person’s risk of developing dementia by 15 percent during the study period.
The researchers believe that because all participants had healthy cognition, their optimism is reducing their risk of dementia. It did not appear that the converse was true. Their dementia was not affecting their optimism.
Part of the researchers’ thinking is that people who are hopeful are more likely to live healthy lifestyles. They are more likely to exercise, interact socially, eat healthy diets and more, which keep their brains healthy. The researchers further believe that people can train themselves to be optimistic. For example, they can take note of what’s good in their lives and be grateful for what they have.
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- Six warning signs of dementia
- How to reduce your risk of dementia
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