New analysis suggests that individuals who exhibit conscientiousness, extroversion, and a positive outlook are less likely to develop dementia, a condition affecting millions worldwide.
Researchers examined data from eight studies involving over 44,000 individuals aged 49 to 81, tracked for up to 21 years, during which 1,703 developed dementia.
The analysis focused on the ‘big five’ personality traits — conscientiousness, extraversion, openness to experience, neuroticism, and agreeableness — as well as measures of well-being, such as life satisfaction and positive versus negative outlooks.
Findings revealed that those who were more conscientious — meticulous and careful in their actions — along with extroverts and individuals with a positive outlook, showed a reduced likelihood of dementia diagnosis.
Additionally, high openness to new experiences, agreeableness, and life satisfaction appeared to offer some protection against the disease.
Conversely, individuals scoring high on neuroticism — characterized by greater levels of anger, anxiety, guilt, or fear — and those with a negative affect faced an increased risk of dementia.
Interestingly, the study found no direct correlation between these personality traits and brain changes observed post-mortem, a surprising outcome for researchers.
Emorie Beck, from the University of California, Davis, and lead author of the study, commented, “If personality is predictive of performance on cognitive tests but not pathology, what might be happening?”
The team hypothesized that these personality traits influence dementia risk through behavioral patterns; for instance, conscientious individuals may maintain healthier lifestyles, contributing to better long-term health outcomes.
Moreover, certain traits could confer resilience against Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, potentially aiding individuals in adapting to and managing cognitive impairments.
The study suggests integrating psychological trait assessments into clinical screenings and dementia diagnostic criteria to better predict and manage the disease’s onset.
