A recent study challenges the common belief that marriage is protective against dementia. According to research conducted at the Florida State University College of Medicine and published in the Alzheimer’s & Dementia journal, it was suggested that divorced and never-married individuals may have a lower risk of developing dementia compared to married individuals. While being married for a long time is generally believed to have many positive effects on health, such as longer lifespan, lower risk of depression and heart attacks, and even a higher chance of surviving cancer, when it comes to brain health, the picture may not be as clear-cut. Researchers indicate that rather than reducing dementia risk, marriage might actually increase it in some cases.

Researchers who examined the health records of over 24,000 individuals aged more than 18 years from the National Alzheimer’s Coordination Center observed the relationship between marital status and dementia development over 18 years. The results revealed that the risk of dementia in unmarried individuals, especially those who were divorced or never married, could be approximately 50% lower than in married individuals. However, experts stress the need for careful interpretation of these findings. Married individuals often go for health check-ups more frequently with the encouragement of their partners, making it easier to detect early signs of dementia. In contrast, early symptoms may go unnoticed or diagnosis may be delayed in individuals living alone.

The study also mentioned that married individuals may have more limited social circles and engage in less quality social interactions compared to unmarried individuals. Conversely, it was observed that never-married individuals socialize more with friends and neighbors and adopt healthier lifestyle habits. The increased life satisfaction after divorce and rise in social activities are believed to have positive effects on brain health. According to experts, these social connections and psychological well-being could serve as a protective shield against dementia in the long term.

Researchers also noted that the impact of marriage on health is closely related to the quality of the marriage. It was emphasized that in high-quality marriages, the health benefits are more evident, whereas in unhappy marriages, individuals are at a higher risk of health issues and mortality.

To reduce the risk of dementia, the importance of lifelong learning, acquiring new hobbies, dancing, meditation, and regular social interactions is emphasized. These mental and social activities not only help preserve cognitive capacity but also support brain health by reducing stress and inflammation levels.