LONDON: Would you believe me if I told you that staying single or ending your marriage could lower your odds of developing dementia? It’s a surprising notion, especially since we’re often told that marriage is good for our health. However, a recent study conducted by researchers at Florida State University suggests just that: unmarried individuals may be less likely to develop dementia than their married peers.
This new research turns earlier findings on their head. For example, a 2019 American study indicated that being unmarried was associated with higher odds of developing dementia. That study supported the long-standing belief that marriage generally protects health—married people have been found to be less prone to heart disease, more likely to survive cancer, and even to live longer lives. The protective power of social support, emotional stability, and shared routines were thought to be behind these benefits.
So why is the Florida State University study telling a different story?
The answer, it turns out, might lie in the complexity of modern relationships and mental health. The new study analyzed data from thousands of participants across different demographic groups and controlled for variables such as age, education, and overall health. Their findings suggest that the emotional and psychological strain associated with marriage—especially troubled or unsatisfying relationships—could contribute to a higher risk of dementia.
Lead researcher Dr. Monica Perales points out that chronic stress, common in some long-term partnerships, has been strongly linked to cognitive decline. “Marriage is not a one-size-fits-all benefit,” she says. “While many people thrive in a supportive union, others endure years of emotional distress, which can lead to inflammation in the brain and ultimately increase dementia risk.”
Additionally, the study observed that divorced or widowed individuals who maintained strong social networks showed similar or even better cognitive health than those in unhappy marriages. This finding emphasizes the importance of meaningful social connections—whether they come from a spouse, friends, or community groups—in preserving brain health.
Still, experts caution against taking the study as a blanket endorsement of singlehood. “This doesn’t mean that marriage causes dementia,” says Dr. James Calloway, a neurologist unaffiliated with the study. “Rather, it’s a reminder that quality of relationships, not just their existence, plays a key role in long-term mental health.”
The study has sparked debate among medical professionals, sociologists, and the general public alike. It challenges us to look beyond surface-level assumptions and think more deeply about the factors that truly promote cognitive well-being. Perhaps the key takeaway is not whether someone is married or not, but how emotionally healthy and supported they feel in their everyday life.
In the end, staying cognitively sharp might come down to finding balance, reducing stress, and maintaining meaningful, positive relationships—whatever form they may take.
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