Mental Health Solicitors

Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland say that people who have a tendency towards being cynical may have an increased risk of dementia illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease.

The study tested 1,449 people with an average age of 71 for signs of cynicism and symptoms of dementia. A total of 622 out of the study group completed two tests for dementia over an eight-year period. During the study period, 46 people were diagnosed with dementia.

The researchers factored in known dementia risks such as elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking and found that individuals who distrust others and believe they are motivated purely by selfishness are three times more likely to have dementia than people who exhibit low levels of cynicism.

Out of 164 people in the study group who exhibited high levels of cynicism, a total of 14 developed dementia.

The researchers found that out of 212 people with low levels of cynicism, just nine developed dementia.

Lead researcher Dr Anna-Maija Tolppanen said that the results add to existing evidence that outlook and personality may impact on people’s health.

“There have been previous studies that showed that people who were cynical were more likely to die earlier and have other poor health outcomes, but no one that we could tell ever looked at dementia," she said.

"We have seen some studies that show people who are more open and optimistic have a lower risk for dementia, so we thought this was a good question to ask," she added.

Initially, a link was also suspected between higher levels of cynicism and earlier death rates among 1,146 people followed over 10 years, during which 361 people died.

However, after the team factored in socioeconomic status, lifestyle behaviours such as smoking, and the state of the participants’ health, the researchers concluded there was no link between cynicism and earlier death

Dr Tolpannen said:

"Understanding how a personality trait like cynicism affects risk for dementia might provide us with important insights on how to reduce risks for dementia."

The study is published online in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of mental health solicitors and can advise on mental health law, including detention under the Mental Health Act and Court of Protection cases involving vulnerable or elderly patients.

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In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may also be able to advise the next of kin or carer of a mental health patient on matters such as access to treatment or treatment reviews, if appropriate.

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