NEW<\/span>You can now listen to Fox News articles!\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n New research has identified a possible link between a person\u2019s outlook on life and their risk of developing dementia<\/a>.<\/p>\n The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, examined whether having higher levels of optimism could reduce the chances of cognitive decline over time.<\/p>\n Researchers analyzed data from more than 9,000 adults who were cognitively healthy<\/a> at the start of the study. Participants were followed for up to 14 years, with more than 3,000 developing dementia during that period.<\/p>\n SIMPLE BRUSHING ROUTINE COULD REDUCE DEMENTIA RISK, SAY DENTAL HEALTH EXPERTS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Those who reported higher levels of optimism on a questionnaire had about a 15% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those with less optimism, even after adjusting for factors such as age, education, depression and major health conditions, according to a study press release.<\/p>\n The findings were consistent across demographic groups and remained largely unchanged after accounting for health behaviors and mental health status<\/a>.<\/p>\n New research has identified a possible link between a person\u2019s outlook on life and their risk of developing dementia.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The results suggest that emotional and psychological factors may play a role in brain health<\/a> as people age, the researchers noted.<\/p>\n “Our personal emotional and social resources \u2014 like how hopeful and positive we feel about the future \u2014 may be related to keeping our brains healthy,” said lead study author S\u00e4de Stenlund, a social and behavioral sciences researcher at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, in the release.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The findings align with previous research linking optimism to other health benefits.<\/p>\n People with a more positive outlook were shown to have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease<\/a> and may be more likely to live longer.<\/p>\n The researchers noted that the study was observational, meaning it only shows an association and cannot prove that optimism directly reduces the risk of dementia.<\/p>\n Other factors not measured in the study may have influenced the results, and changes in mood might be an early sign of dementia rather than a cause of it, they added.<\/p>\n Researchers said staying hopeful and positive may help protect brain health with age.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Still, the findings point to a potential area for future research.<\/p>\n “Since optimism may be increased through relatively simple, low-intensity programs, it is helpful to understand how it is related to health in aging<\/a>,” Stenlund said.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n More studies, including clinical trials, are needed to determine whether boosting optimism could have a measurable impact on long-term dementia risk.<\/p>\n Fox News Digital previously reported that while dementia cases are rising, certain lifestyle habits<\/a> may help reduce risk.<\/p>\n Experts recommend addressing conditions such as hearing loss, limiting alcohol consumption and quitting smoking, as these factors have been linked to cognitive decline.<\/span> (Ourmindsmatter)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n New York neurologist Dr. Joel Salinas previously told Fox News Digital that factors such as diet, exercise and social engagement play a key role in brain health.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “It\u2019s about putting the odds in your favor that you’ll be less likely to develop one of these conditions, or at least delay the onset of symptoms,” he said.<\/p>\n TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Experts also recommend addressing conditions such as hearing loss<\/a>, limiting alcohol consumption and quitting smoking, as these factors have been linked to cognitive decline.<\/p>\n Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.<\/p>\n Melissa Rudy of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.<\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\nStudy limitations<\/h2>\n
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