Latest news with #SelinKarakose
Express Tribune
28-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Is marriage linked to dementia? New study explains
Listen to article Contrary to popular belief, marriage may be linked to a higher risk of dementia in older age in the United States, according to a new study by researchers at Florida State University, US. The study, led by Selin Karakose and colleagues, tracked over 24,000 Americans with an average age of 72 for up to 18 years. Participants were divided into four groups: married, widowed, divorced, and never married. 'Unmarried individuals may have a lower risk of dementia compared to married adults,' the study's authors wrote. After adjusting for age and gender, the findings revealed that those who had never married were 40% less likely to develop dementia than married individuals. Widowed participants had a 27% lower risk, and divorced individuals had a 34% lower risk. The results challenge previous research suggesting marriage offers protective benefits against cognitive decline. Earlier studies linked marriage to stronger immune systems, reduced stress, and greater social support—all factors thought to guard against dementia. However, the new research, published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, turns this assumption on its head. 'Contrary to expectations and challenging the commonly held belief that marriage is protective against cognitive decline and dementia, this study found that married older adults exhibited a higher risk of dementia compared to those never married, divorced, and widowed,' an expert commented. The study does not offer a definitive explanation for the trend. Researchers suggest possible factors, such as smaller social networks among married individuals, increased caregiving-related stress, or delayed dementia diagnosis in unmarried people. The authors cautioned that the study does not imply all married individuals are destined to develop dementia. Rather, it highlights that the relationship between marriage and cognitive health is complex and warrants further research. Experts advise individuals to focus on building strong, supportive relationships and maintaining a healthy, low-stress lifestyle, regardless of marital status, to promote better brain health in later life.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
What!! Marriage may raise dementia risk, but why!
When it comes to marriage, it is an extremely personal decision, and one should have the liberty to choose to get married or not. However, for the majority of us, marriage is seen as a benchmark for love, compatibility, and lifelong commitment. However, a recent study claims that marriage might raise the risk of dementia in older age as well. But is that the whole truth? We try to find out... Latest study A study conducted by Selin Karakose and colleagues at Florida State University tracked over 24,000 Americans, with an average age of about 72, for up to 18 years. They looked at four groups: married, widowed, divorced, and never married. The results were unexpected. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top Cardiologist Begs: Quit Eating Blueberries Before This Happens Gundry MD Learn More Undo Married people at the risk of dementia? As the study authors wrote, 'Unmarried individuals may have a lower risk of dementia compared to married adults'. After adjusting for age and gender, people who had never married were found to be 40% less likely to develop dementia than those who were married. Widowed people had a 27% lower risk, and divorced people had a 34% lower risk. Another expert explained, 'Contrary to expectations and challenging the commonly held belief that marriage is protective against cognitive decline and dementia, this study found that married older adults exhibited a higher risk of dementia compared to those never married, divorced, and widowed'. Surprising results This particular study challenges earlier studies that said marriage is good for your health. Married people are thought to have stronger immune systems, less stress, and more support at home, which should lower their risk of diseases, including dementia. But this new research, published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, flips that idea on its head. The researchers suggest that being unmarried might not make someone more vulnerable to cognitive decline, as was previously believed. In fact, the study found that divorced or never-married people consistently showed a lower risk of developing dementia over the study period. What could be the possible causes? The study does not give a clear answer as to why married people might have a higher risk of dementia. The authors note, 'These results might suggest a delay in diagnosis among unmarried individuals or challenge the belief that marriage serves as a protective factor against dementia'. However, some assumed theories could be Married people may have smaller social networks and be less self-reliant, which could affect brain health. The stress of caregiving or relationship issues in marriage might play a role. It's also possible that unmarried people are less likely to be diagnosed with dementia, rather than actually having a lower risk. What does that mean? This study in no way says that everyone who is married will get dementia. What the study instead claims, is that the link between marriage and dementia is a complicated one, and more research is needed on the matter. Instead of worrying about whether to marry or not to cut down their dementia risk, individuals should concentrate on finding the right partner, who would enrich their lives in many ways and work at making their marriage rock solid and happy, that will anyway lead to less stress/risk of getting dementia.
Axios
02-04-2025
- Health
- Axios
Unmarried people had lower dementia risk, new study finds
Unmarried older adults in the U.S. were less likely to develop dementia than those who were married, according to a new study of 24,000 Americans. Why it matters: The finding seems to contradict the long-held belief that marriage is associated with better cognitive health and longevity. What they found:"Widowed, divorced, and never-married older adults had a lower dementia risk, compared to their married counterparts," the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center researchers say, based on a study of adults aged 50+, who were tracked for up to 18 years. Yes, but: The study relied on volunteers — mostly white and married — so the findings may not reflect the broader U.S. population. Context: Previous research has linked marriage to positive health outcomes, including: What they're saying:"This finding can change the way we understand the connection between marital status and risk of dementia," said study co-author Selin Karakose of Florida State University College of Medicine in Tallahassee, to MedPage Today. She noted that marriage — which has benefits — can also come with stress, smaller social circles and caregiving burdens that may affect brain health. Between the lines: The idea that unmarried individuals may be diagnosed later, simply because they don't have a spouse encouraging them to seek care, could potentially skew the findings.
