Distrust and Dementia

If you tend to view others with a cynical eye, an attitude adjustment may be a good decision for your health!

New research suggests seniors who are cynics face a higher risk for dementia.

The finding published in the journal Neurology is based on the results of a survey completed by more than 600 elderly men and women.

At an average age of 71 all were asked to reveal their level of distrust when judging other people.

164 were characterized as being high-level cynics meaning they tended to view most people as untrustworthy liars who behave unfairly.

On the other hand, 212 were found to be low-level cynics.

All participants underwent 2 screenings for dementia separated by an average of 8 years.

Ultimately, 46 were diagnosed with dementia in that timeframe.

And in the end the study authors concluded that those who had shown high levels of cynicism were 3 times more likely to develop dementia than low-level cynics.

The finding held up even after a counting for other factors that can up dementia risk including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a history of smoking.

I’m Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV with the news doctors are reading health news for healthier living.