Middle-aged people who are widowed or divorced are three times more likely to develop dementia in later life than those who are married or cohabiting, according to a new study.
Middle-aged people who are widowed or divorced are three times more likely to develop dementia in later life than those who are married or cohabiting, according to a new study.
It found that people aged around 50 who live alone have twice the risk of going on to be diagnosed with dementia by the time they are between the ages of 65 and 79.
The risk for those who are widowed or divorced is particularly high and the researchers said that "supportive intervention for individuals who have lost a partner might be a promising strategy in preventive health care".
Alzheimer Scotland said the findings, from a study carried out by researchers in Finland and Sweden, highlighted the importance of staying "socially connected" to help reduce the risk of developing dementia.
More than 60,000 people in Scotland, including around 1380 people under the age of 65, are estimated to have dementia and it is thought that the number of sufferers will rise to between 102,000 and 114,000 by 2031.
The researchers, led by Miia Kivipelto from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, surveyed 1449 men and women from Finland when they were around 50 and then again around 21 years later.
They also examined whether each participant was a carrier of the apolipoprotein E e4 gene variant, a known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.
The study, published on bmj.com, found that those who were living without a partner during middle age had a much higher risk of developing cognitive impairment in late life compared to those living with a partner.
The risk for those widowed increased three- fold, and people who had lost their partners and also carried the apolipoprotein E e4 gene variant had the highest risk of developing the condition.
The researchers said there was a "substantial and independent association" between marital status in mid-life and cognitive function later in life.
They added: "Living in a relationship with a partner might imply cognitive and social challenges that have a protective effect against cognitive impairment later in life.
"Our results add to a growing body of evidence for the general importance of social factors in sustaining healthy brain functioning. A couple relationship might offer unique opportunities in this regard, perhaps not only through social and cognitive stimulation."
In an editorial published on bmj.com, epidemiologist Catherine Helmer said that future research should focus on the stress caused by a separation and levels of satisfaction with relationships. The findings could then be used to shape policy to help prevent the onset of dementia in those patients who are deemed most at risk.
She added: "A potential application of the findings involves collecting and using data about patients' marital status, which is easy to do in primary care. Unmarried, especially widowed, people could then be targeted for preventative strategies that encourage them to increase their social engagement by taking part in cultural, social and sporting activities."
An earlier study carried out by the Karolinska Institutet found that having an "extensive social network seems to protect against dementia". The research, carried out in 2000, found that having a poor or limited social network increased the risk of developing dementia by 60%.
Responding to the new research, a spokesman for Alzheimer Scotland said: "This study joins a growing body of research that highlights the importance of staying socially connected when it comes to reducing your risk of developing dementia in later life.
"Alzheimer Scotland recommends that people keep involved with the world around them, stay in touch with family and friends and make a point of doing something sociable and enjoyable every day. Combining social pursuits with physical activity, such as joining a walking group or a dance class, is particularly beneficial."
