How Your Personality Impacts Your Likelihood of Dementia, According to Experts
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Could your personality impact your risk of dementia? A new study suggests there may be links between certain traits and higher rates of dementia and Alzheimer's—as well as lower rates associated with other traits.
The study review, conducted by researchers at the University of California, Davis, showed a link between people whose personalities are described "as predominantly conscientious, extroverted and having a positive affect" with having a lower risk of dementia.
Conversely, those with a predominantly negative affect and higher levels of neuroticism were linked with a higher rate of being diagnosed with dementia. (We know, that news is almost sure to make those who already are neurotic likely even more so!)
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What Are the Links Between Personality and Dementia Risk?
Dr. Dale Bredesen, MD, neuroscience researcher and Singleton Chair in Neurology at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, broke the study down in layman's terms.
"This study compared personality scores to dementia diagnosis, and also to neuropathology," Dr. Bredesen explains. "Those who scored high in neuroticism were more likely to receive a diagnosis of dementia. Similarly, those with negative affect (negative emotions such guilt, fear, anger, disgust and nervousness) were also more likely to receive a diagnosis of dementia."
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How To Find Out if Your Personality Traits Could Impact Your Dementia Risk
"In psychology, the five major personality traits—called the 'Big Five'—are assessed, and these five traits include extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, openness and conscientiousness," Dr. Bredesen says. "By definition in psychology, those considered to be high in neuroticism are those who perceive the world as distressing, threatening and unsafe, and respond accordingly. Those who are judged to have negative affect are those who report feelings of guilt, fear, anger, disgust and nervousness."
A key element to note, according to Dr. Logan DuBose, MD, a geriatrician and founder of Olera: "While neuroticism is a character trait, negative affect is more about the magnitude of impact negativity can have on someone's emotional well-being."
You can take an assessment online for your Big Five here but know that it in no way is a substitute for actual psychological or psychiatric help if you need it. That said, Dr. DuBose does point out that it can make you more aware of your emotional tendencies, and knowledge is power.
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Why Higher Neuroticism and Negativity May Increase Dementia Risk
According to Dr. DuBose, there may be physiological elements at play in the association between higher neuroticism and negative affect and an increased likelihood of dementia diagnosis.
"One potential explanation involves inflammatory pathways," Dr. DuBose explains. "Individuals with elevated neuroticism or experiencing negative affect may have stress hormones such as cortisol at higher levels more often in their blood. This can lead to higher levels of neuroinflammation and subsequently increase the likelihood of developing dementia. Conversely, the study introduces the concept of a cognitive resilience model, indicating that certain personality traits, like conscientiousness, may act protectively against dementia. Both examples show that there is a link between dementia development and personality traits that science is just now beginning to understand."
Dr. Bredesen concurs, noting, "The findings do fit with other recent work, suggesting that some psychiatric diagnoses may be associated with inflammation (which is associated for example with depression and also with Alzheimer’s) and with altered brain energetics (which are also associated with Alzheimer’s)."
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Should Those With Higher Levels of Neuroticism and Negative Affect Be Worried?
According to Dr. Bredesen, patients with negative affect and higher levels of neuroticism don't need to panic about this.
"They may wish to talk to their doctors about this study, but they should not be too concerned," he says. There are a few reasons for this.
"These traits were not associated with degree of neuropathology—in other words, although they were associated with a diagnosis of dementia, the neuropathology (which might be expected to be more severe if these traits somehow caused dementia) was not different in people with these traits," he explains. "Additionally, the overall effect was relatively modest. Further, it is not yet clear whether this association is causal or just an association unrelated to cause."
If you are concerned, Dr. DuBose recommends asking your primary care physician the following questions at your next appointment:
What strategies can I adopt to manage stress and negative emotions effectively?
What form of regular mental health care, if any, would be beneficial for me in reducing stress in my life?
What other lifestyle changes can improve my health and well-being and decrease the odds of chronic diseases like dementia?
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What Are the Biggest Risk Factors for Dementia?
Dr. Bredesen notes that there are many risk factors and potential contributors to dementia. If you have sleep apnea, insulin resistance (and related pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes), chronic infections (such as herpes simplex virus and P. gingivalis from dental infections) and toxic exposures (such as air pollution, mercury and biotoxins), you may be at a higher risk for dementia and Alzheimer's.
According to Dr. DuBose, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease can manifest with distinct early signs and symptoms of dementia as well.
"Initial dementia symptoms often involve subtle cognitive changes, such as memory loss, problem-solving difficulty and difficulty completing familiar tasks," Dr. DuBose says. "Individuals can experience confusion, disorientation, and changes in mood or personality."
Recognizing these early warning signs is vital for timely intervention and effective management, Dr. DuBose emphasizes. "If someone notices persistent cognitive or behavioral changes in themselves or a loved one, it is important to seek medical attention with your primary care doctor or emergency department in the case of an emergency," he says. "Consulting with a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation can help determine the cause of these symptoms and initiate appropriate care and support. Early diagnosis allows for better planning and access to resources that can enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by dementia and their families."
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How To Lower Your Dementia Risk
One of the biggest ways to lower your dementia risk is to know what it is, so kudos to you for working on that already!
Some measures Dr. DuBose and Dr. Bredesen recommend to mitigate your dementia risk include lifestyle measures that are good for your whole body, not just your brain. These include
Adopting a plant-rich diet
Regular aerobic exercise and strength training
Getting at least seven hours of sleep per night
Managing stress levels
Managing chronic conditions (like diabetes or sleep apnea)
Managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Regular medical check-ups with cognitive assessments
Cognitive stimulation activities, such as reading, puzzles, and continuous learning
Maintaining social connections, participating in activities and growing personal relationships
Next up: The Daily Habit That Can Help Prevent Dementia
