An estimated 42% of Americans over the age of 55 are expected to develop dementia at some point, but there’s a bright side to that dark statistic.
Researchers from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health are adding to growing evidence that one particular personality trait can lower the risk of dementia — optimism.
“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 recently wrote in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Past research has consistently linked higher optimism to better cognitive function, slower cognitive decline and a lower risk of dementia among older adults.
For this study, Harvard researchers utilized data from the Health and Retirement Study, a representative sample of US adults 50 and older.
Over 9,000 dementia-free adults reported their optimism levels by filling out a questionnaire.
Researchers assessed their optimism within two years of measuring their cognitive function. The average participant age was 74, and the average follow-up period was 6.7 years.
During this time, some 3,000 participants developed dementia. Those with higher optimism scores demonstrated a lower risk of dementia during the follow-up period, researchers observed.
Each six-point score increase was associated with a 15% lower risk of dementia after adjusting for factors such as age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, depression and chronic health conditions.
“Although optimism is a complex construct, and it is not clear exactly how it might translate in terms of future dementia prevention initiatives, this is an area which merits future research,” the researchers wrote.
“This is important given the rising prevalence of dementia and the current lack of effective treatments.”
More than 6 million Americans are living with dementia, which affects memory, communication, reasoning and planning.
Cases are expected to double by 2060 due to the aging population and the prevalence of conditions like hypertension, diabetes and obesity.
There is no cure for dementia, but certain treatments can manage symptoms, improve quality of life and even slow disease progression.
For those looking to add “optimism” to their regimen of proper nutrition, quality sleep and regular exercise, knowing where to start may not be so clear.
UTHealth Houston experts say optimism isn’t just being upbeat — it’s also facing life with hope and confidence that obstacles can be overcome.
They recommend engaging in cognitive behavioral therapy to reframe negative thoughts, expressing appreciation often, practicing mindfulness and adopting problem-solving strategies.
