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Importance of the Other Half By Sam Wylie-HarrisThey say everything in life has its price. While some of us may savour being a single, free spirit at 40, experts now claim that an independent lifestyle and solitary mind could increase your risk of becoming senile in later life. According to the latest research, people who are unmarried or not living with a partner in mid-life could have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. A new study by the Karolinksa Institute shows that people who are married or living with a significant other have 50% less chance of being affected by dementia than those living alone. Researchers in Stockholm also found there were differences between groups of people who had been living on their own for different reasons. Key findings indicate that living with a partner in mid-life makes you significantly less likely to show cognitive impairment compared to all other categories - single, separated, divorced or widowed. Life-long singletons had a double risk of contracting the disease. Divorcees who stayed single from mid-life onwards had a triple risk. Most dramatically, people who were widowed before mid-life and remained alone had a six times higher risk of developing Alzheimer's compared to those who remained married from mid-life. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, afflicting more than 700,000 Britons. To reduce the risk, research suggests that maintaining regular social interaction can contribute to maintaining brain health as we age - and possibly decrease the chance of developing the disease. "Some evidence suggests remaining socially active may reduce your risk of dementia and living with someone is certainly a good way of increasing social interaction," Dr Susanne Sorensen from the Alzheimer's Society says. "However, there are many other lifestyle factors associated with being married that may help reduce your risk of dementia, whether it's reaching for the vacuum cleaner or going for long romantic walks." The Society also says free-spirited singletons shouldn't worry as there are many other ways to reduce your risk of dementia that don't involve popping the question and running up the aisle. "The best evidence is around eating a Mediterranean diet, exercising regularly and not smoking," Sorrensen says. According to a recent report in the medical journal Neurology, eating fish three times a week may lead to a reduction in harmful brain lesions that can trigger Alzheimer's disease and stroke by up to 25%. Britons are already advised to eat fish at least twice a week, including one portion of oily fish. Whether you're single or married, the experts advise staying clear of the local chippie and filling your shopping basket with tuna, salmon, mackerel and sardines which are all high in omega-3 fatty acids. There are plus and minus for being either married or single: Click here for 7 reasons to be married Click here for 7 reasons to be single HEART HEALTH According to the British Heart Foundation, 20% of people in the UK who have dementia have vascular dementia. Keeping the risks low for that will also reduce your risk of developing other diseases of the heart and circulation. The BHF have the following tips to boost heart health:
TEN WARNING SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER'S
For advice on coping with dementia or Alzheimer's, contact the Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline (0845 300 0336) or visit alzheimers.org.uk
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