There’s currently no cure for dementia. As dementia is caused by different diseases, it’s unlikely there will be a single cure.
Alongside finding treatment for dementia, experts have been focusing on ways to prevent it and a better understanding of the risks of developing it.
Old age, hearing loss and untreated depression are just some of the things that have been suggested by research to increase dementia risk.
In a recent study, personality traits were linked to the disease. Researchers at the University of California carried out a study that suggested more positive people are less likely to get dementia.
A meta-analysis published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia last year found a connection between certain personality traits and risk of dementia.
The scientists looked at 44,531 people aged 49 to 81 and rated them based on five personality traits:
- Conscientiousness
- Extroversion
- Openness to experience
- Neuroticism
- Agreeableness
People with more negative traits like being neurotic, being less agreeable or open to new experiences, being prone to anger and anxiety or being overly conscientious were found to be at greater risk of dementia.
Emorie Beck, assistant professor of psychology at the University of California stated: “Personality is typically thought to be linked to dementia risk through behaviour.
“For example, people who score high on conscientiousness may be more likely to eat well and take care of their health, which results in better health in the long term.”
But no link was found between personality traits and neuropathology – or disease in the brain – when they are studied after death.
The scientists believe personality traits may “find ways, whether they are unaware of it or not, to cope with work around impairments”.
Other factors were also examined when looking at the risk of suffering dementia, including age, gender and education, but no link was found.
It was noted people become more conscientious as they grow older.
Prof Beck added: “Many factors contribute to the development of dementia. Among those that aren’t directly related to genetics, this study is a first step in teasing out the associations between personality and dementia.”