Contrary to popular belief, marriage may be linked to a higher risk of dementia in older age in the United States, according to a new study by researchers at Florida State University, US.
The study, led by Selin Karakose and colleagues, tracked over 24,000 Americans with an average age of 72 for up to 18 years. Participants were divided into four groups: married, widowed, divorced, and never married.
“Unmarried individuals may have a lower risk of dementia compared to married adults,” the study’s authors wrote. After adjusting for age and gender, the findings revealed that those who had never married were 40% less likely to develop dementia than married individuals. Widowed participants had a 27% lower risk, and divorced individuals had a 34% lower risk.
The results challenge previous research suggesting marriage offers protective benefits against cognitive decline. Earlier studies linked marriage to stronger immune systems, reduced stress, and greater social support—all factors thought to guard against dementia.
However, the new research, published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, turns this assumption on its head. “Contrary to expectations and challenging the commonly held belief that marriage is protective against cognitive decline and dementia, this study found that married older adults exhibited a higher risk of dementia compared to those never married, divorced, and widowed,” an expert commented.
The study does not offer a definitive explanation for the trend. Researchers suggest possible factors, such as smaller social networks among married individuals, increased caregiving-related stress, or delayed dementia diagnosis in unmarried people.
The authors cautioned that the study does not imply all married individuals are destined to develop dementia. Rather, it highlights that the relationship between marriage and cognitive health is complex and warrants further research.
Experts advise individuals to focus on building strong, supportive relationships and maintaining a healthy, low-stress lifestyle, regardless of marital status, to promote better brain health in later life.