For a time, these health benefits extended to cognitive health. In 2017, research found marriage may protect against dementia, likely from constant social interaction building your cognitive reserve—the mental resilience for the brain to continue functioning despite damage or injury. Then, another study tracking over 15,000 people from 2000 to 2014 found unmarried individuals had significantly higher odds of developing dementia than their married counterparts.
Does Being Married Protect Against Dementia?
Using data from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center, researchers tracked the cognitive health of 24,107 dementia-free adults over time. The participants—who had an average age of 71—represented a range of relationship statuses, including never married, separated or divorced, widowed and married or living with a partner. Over the course of 18 years, the researchers monitored their cognitive function through routine neuropsychological testing and clinical exams.
People who were widowed, divorced or never-married had about a 50% lower dementia risk than their married counterparts. Specifically, unmarried older adults were at a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and Lewy Body dementia and unmarried people were at a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment progressing to dementia.
Related: Doing This for Just 5 Minutes a Day Can Lower Your Dementia Risk by 41%
That said, being married doesn't mean you're going to get dementia. In fact, the researchers noted that married people may receive diagnoses more frequently simply because they have partners who notice and report cognitive changes. Plus, research has shown that a happy, high-quality marriage can offer cognitive and overall health benefits. However, chronic stress from an unhappy relationship has been linked to poorer health outcomes and even a shorter lifespan—so if you're miserable in your marriage, you may want to assess your options with an attorney, if for no other reason than to protect your brain.
Related: Taking This Cheap Supplement May Improve Memory As You Age
Sources
"Marriage and risk of dementia: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies." Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry."Marital Status and Dementia: Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study." The Journals of Gerontology: Series B."Marital status and risk of dementia over 18 years: Surprising findings from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center." Alzheimer's Association."Dissatisfaction with Married Life in Men Is Related to Increased Stroke and All-Cause Mortality." Journal of Clinical Medicine. Read More Details
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