Recent research has once again highlighted the fact that a happy marriage is not the key to a long life. Studies show that the quality of relationships has a significant impact on both mental and physical health. However, the latest findings have overturned expectations about the effects of marriage on health. Previous studies in recent years had shown that strong and supportive connections generally lead to better health outcomes. For instance, a study published in 2023 revealed that being in a long-term relationship could reduce the risk of death from heart failure. Additionally, another study published at the end of 2023 had determined that married individuals were less likely to experience depression. Nevertheless, a new study requires you to question everything you know about the health benefits of marriage.

A recent study published in the Alzheimer’s and Dementia journal examined dementia cases in over 24,000 adults over 18 years. The study found that individuals who were not married (divorced or never married) had a 50% lower risk of developing dementia compared to married individuals. It was noted that those who were always single, meaning never married individuals, were in the lowest risk group. However, it was also emphasized that this difference among unmarried individuals did not show a significant difference with other groups.

In the study, 24,107 participants aged 50-104 underwent annual neuropsychological tests and clinical evaluations. The results revealed that singles carried a lower risk of diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, or Lewy body dementia compared to married individuals. Additionally, it was found that single individuals had a lower risk of progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia.

According to the research, even divorced individuals have a lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who are married. However, the research team struggled to explain the exact reasons for these findings. Nevertheless, they argued that single individuals were more successful in maintaining their social connections.

Doctors who are postdoctoral research fellows at Florida State University stated, “Never-married individuals are more likely to socialize with friends and neighbors. Moreover, they are more likely to exhibit healthy behaviors,” asserting that singles have an advantage over married individuals in terms of social integration. They also elaborated that “Married individuals tend to have less social integration compared to unmarried individuals and engage less frequently and with lower quality interactions in their networks. These social connections may be a protective factor against dementia over time.”

Dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease, is a serious health issue that needs to be detected early. Here are the early signs of dementia:

– Memory loss that disrupts daily life
– Challenges in planning or problem-solving
– Difficulty performing familiar tasks
– Confusion with time or place
– Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
– Problems with words in speaking or writing
– Misplacing things and retracing steps
– Decreased or poor judgment
– Withdrawal from social activities
– Changes in mood and personality

If you notice one or more of these signs in yourself or someone else, you may struggle to convey these changes to others. However, these are important health issues that require consulting a doctor. Early intervention can change the course of the disease and help take steps towards treatment. Contrary to common beliefs about marriage, the lower dementia risk among singles once again highlights the significant effects of social connections and a healthy lifestyle on health.