Dementia risk may be linked to outlook on life, study suggests

A long-term observational study of more than 9,000 adults found that people reporting higher optimism had about a 15% lower risk of developing dementia over up to 14 years; researchers note the study shows an association and cannot prove causation.

New research examined whether a person's optimism is associated with later dementia risk and found a modest association that has prompted calls for further study. The study analyzed data from more than 9,000 adults who were cognitively healthy at baseline and followed them for up to 14 years. During follow-up, over 3,000 participants developed dementia. The research team noted the findings are observational and do not establish cause and effect. Key findings: - The study included more than 9,000 adults who were cognitively healthy at the start and were followed for up to 14 years. - More than 3,000 participants developed dementia during the study period. - Participants who reported higher levels of optimism had about a 15% lower risk of developing dementia compared with those reporting less optimism, after adjusting for age, education, depression and major health conditions. - The association held across demographic groups and remained largely unchanged after accounting for health behaviors and mental health status. - Researchers emphasized the study is observational and cannot prove optimism causes lower dementia risk; unmeasured factors or early mood changes related to dementia could influence results. - The authors suggested optimism is a potential area for future research and noted that clinical trials would be needed to test causal effects. Summary: The study reports an association between higher self-reported optimism and a modestly lower risk of dementia over long-term follow-up. Researchers say further research, including clinical trials, is needed to determine whether increasing optimism would have a measurable effect on dementia risk.