THESE Personality Traits Determine Your Dementia Risk?!
Your personality says a lot about who you are and how you look at life.
But did you know it can also impact your disease risk?
More specifically, it can impact your risk of developing dementia.
Find out what these two specific traits can tell you about your risk.
Psychologists say that there are five main personality traits, and they go by the acronym OCEAN:
- Openness to experience
- Conscientiousness
- Extroversion
- Agreeableness
- Neuroticism
Previous studies show that two of these traits are tied to the risk of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s.
For this study, researchers studied data collected from adults over age 65 who filled out a questionnaire that identifies personality traits and completed tests to determine cognitive function.
The results showed a clear connection between neuroticism and mild cognitive impairment. This is defined as a slight but noticeable decline in memory and thinking skills.
On the other hand, openness was associated with a reduced likelihood of mild cognitive impairment.
Said another way, neuroticism increases the risk of cognitive impairment, while openness helps protect against it.
Incidentally, neuroticism has also been associated with a greater disease burden in general and for the condition to be more severe.
Now that we see the connection between personality and mild cognitive impairment, a natural question follows:
Do these personality traits increase the risk, or do they occur as a result of existing impairment?
Meaning, it’s possible that someone with MCI would develop neurotic traits as a result of aging—and that they would have identified these traits differently when they were younger.
It’s also possible that these traits could be a result of loss of cognitive function.
We still don’t have all the answers, but I think the answer can be both.
Certain personality traits are associated with cognitive impairment AND certain personality traits can increase your risk of disease.
While you can’t do much about the first point, you can take steps to impact the second.
Neurotic people have a tendency to be more anxious, depressed, have self-doubt, and other negative feelings.
While this might be your tendency, it doesn’t have to be your reality.
Practices like yoga, meditation, stress-relief, social activities, therapy, and physical activity—coupled with good lifestyle habits like spending time in the sun, getting enough sleep, and cutting junk food out of your diet—can help you have a more positive mindset.
Studies like these show that it could impact your lifestyle AND your health.
Written By Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D.
For years he’s been the trusted doctor for celebrities, world-class athletes, and countless seniors looking to reclaim their health.
And now…for the first time ever… he’s making his medical breakthroughs available to readers all across America.
Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D. is one of the most pioneering and innovative minds in medicine today – and he delivers cutting-edge cures each month through his Natural Health Response newsletter.
Natural Health Response readers get full access to Dr. Gerhauser’s protocols for chronic pain… heart disease… diabetes… Alzheimer’s… and even cancer. These are the very same treatments Dr. Gerhauser recommends to his own patients at his practice in Tucson, Arizona.
In addition to being a board-certified medical doctor, Dr. Gerhauser has earned two master’s degrees and has served as a clinical professor at the University of Arizona.
And as a physician at the world-famous Canyon Ranch, Dr. Gerhauser treated celebrities from around the world who paid dearly for the type of next-generation health information he provides Natural Health Response readers each month.
View More Free Articles
Eat THIS to Reduce Your Risk of 14 Cancers
I’m a meat-and-potatoes guy. I’ll never turn down a big, juicy steak. But even more than that… I’m a fish guy. There’s not much I like more than a perfectly grilled salmon. I hope you do, too, because salmon contains two potent nutrients tied to a reduced risk of 14 types of cancer. Omega-3s are […]
The Bad Habit Robbing YEARS from Your Life
I often get eye-rolls when I stress just how essential lifestyle factors like light reducing pollution and grounding are good for health. But new research continually proves that I’ve been right all along. Today, a critical new study shows that something I’ve warned you about for YEARS is tied to a 34 percent increased risk […]
Reduce Colon Cancer Risk by 30%
More than 150,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer yearly. Another 35,000 will get a liver cancer diagnosis. But if you have type 2 diabetes, your risk of developing one of these skyrockets—a 47 percent increased risk of colorectal cancer, and a two to three times higher risk of liver cancer. That’s why I’m excited […]
“Dinner Plate” Danger Raises Prostate Risk
Did you know that prostate cancer is FAR more prevalent in developed parts of the world than in less developed regions? Strange right? What is it about our modern, developed society that’s attacking our male population? There are MANY answers to this question. The primary one I will focus on today is a significant environmental […]
The 5-Minute Solution to Better Blood Pressure
Are you one of the millions who battle the so-called “silent killer” hypertension? And do you have five minutes to spare daily? If so, you could be well on your way to significantly healthier blood pressure. Sound too good to be true? A new study proves it. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy If […]
“Eye-Opening” Benefits of Pistachios
Imagine if there were a daily snack that could protect your vision. Well, a recent study brings good news for the 20 million U.S. adults already battling macular degeneration—the leading cause of vision loss for those over 60. Adding a handful of pistachios to your diet might help shield your eyesight. Let’s take a “look.” […]
Get Better Blood Sugar This Holiday Season
Let’s face it. The holidays are NOT good for your waistline… or your blood sugar levels. Potlucks, family dinners, cookie exchanges, Christmas parties… you know the drill. So, if you’re one of the 98 million people on the brink of type 2 diabetes, it’s VITAL to take steps to manage your blood sugar levels as […]
Common Vitamin Is a Hidden Colon Cancer Shield
With aggressive colon cancer on the rise in younger people, I’m always on the lookout for research showing how we can all lower our risks. Over the past few months, I’ve shared studies showing that stress, oral bacteria, obesity, and circadian disruption are all tied to colon cancer. And just last week I revealed how […]
Ditch Dieting for Better Blood Sugar Control
I’ll just say this right upfront… Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle issue. And while diet is PART of the equation, it’s not the only thing to consider when managing your blood sugar. Over the past few months, I’ve highlighted research showing that factors like your bedtime and activity levels impact diabetes risk. Today, I […]
Slash Painful Nighttime Leg Cramps
On this Veterans Day, my team and I honor and thank all who have served in our armed forces. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting our nation’s freedoms will never be forgotten. Not all health problems are life-threatening. There are plenty that threaten your quality of life. Nighttime leg cramps are one of them. […]