Having a positive outlook on life could help protect against dementia, decreasing the risk by at least 15 per cent, a new study has found.
There is increasing evidence that a positive attitude can help adults stay fit and mentally agile well into old age, with frailty being far from inevitable,
But the study is one of the first to examine whether optimism influences the risk of developing dementia among cognitively healthy older people.
Writing in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, the authors concluded: ‘Identifying optimism as a protective psychosocial factor highlights the potential value of optimism in supporting healthy ageing.’
Researchers followed over 9,000 cognitively healthy adults enrolled on the Health and Retirement Study in the US for around 14 years, with an average age of 73.
Optimism was assessed using the Life Orientation Test – which measures optimism through ten questions about expectations of future events.
Participants were asked to give responses on a six point scare, ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. They repeated the questionnaire every four years.
In this scenario, optimism is defined as a tendency to expect positive outcomes and maintain hopeful perspectives regarding future events.
A positive attitude may be associated with healthier immune responses, helping ward off dementia in later life
For example, believing that: ‘In uncertain times, I usually expect the best,’ and ‘I’m optimistic about my future.’
But it’s not just about looking on the bright side researchers say. It represents a fundamental way people approach life’s challenges.
Pessimism, on the other hand, is associated with a tendency to anticipate unfavourable results and focus on potential problems.
This was measured by participants’ responses to negative statements such as: ‘If something can go wrong for me, it will.’
Optimism was ranked on a scale from six to 36, with higher scores indicating greater optimism.
The researchers found that every six point increase in optimism was associated with a 15 per cent lower risk of developing dementia.
They concluded: ‘Together with previous studies, our findings provide support for the possibility that optimism causally contributes to cognitive health and may be considered an asset for brain health.’
The researchers also repeatedly tested participants’ cognitive health – using memory tests to see whether they could be ‘characterised as having probable dementia’.
This meant they could prove the link wasn’t working in reverse: those living with early signs of dementia may be less likely to have a positive outlook on life.
Even after reassessing the results and excluding those who developed dementia within the first two years of the study, the link remained robust.
Whilst the researchers do not know exactly why maintaining an optimistic outlook in later life seems to protect against dementia, they suggested it could be to do with the body’s stress response.
‘Several processes may help to explain how optimism could influence dementia risk, they said.
‘Prior work has found optimism is associated with healthier immune response, suggesting optimism contributes to having more psychosocial resources such as stoner social networks, and lower levels of stress.’
A positive attitude as also been linked with higher levels of physical activity in later life.
Responding to the findings, Michelle Dyson, CEO of Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘Research into prevention is vital and it’s good to see further studies that contribute to our growing understanding of the complex factors that may influence the risk of developing dementia
‘The Lancet Commission, which was part funded by Alzheimer’s Society, found nearly half of dementia cases globally are linked to modifiable risk factors – things that can be changed either on an individual or societal level – and managing these risk factors could potentially delay or prevent dementia.
She added: ‘Continuing to grow our understanding of risk could help people access support and take steps to help reduce their risk of dementia.’
Around 900,000 people are currently living with dementia in the UK, a figure expected to rise to to more than 1.6million by 2040.
But experts have long suggested millions of cases could be prevented through simple lifestyle changes, including a more positive outlook on life.
Earlier this year, world-leading experts also recommended tackling social isolation and securing sustained funding for prevention as part of a definitive roadmap to beat the disease.
