This Type of Personality Increases Your Risk of Developing Dementia and Alzheimer's by 68%

The risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease grows as we grow older, but one particular personality type has shown to have a 68% greater chance of developing these ailments.

The findings of different studies are very alarming for some individuals

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Dr. Clint Steel, a specialist in the brain and nervous system, has recently shared the findings of several studies that may be alarming for individuals with a specific personality type, as it can significantly increase their risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. 

Several studies arrived at the same conclusion

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Steel references a 2022 study published in Biological Psychiatry, which combined two separate studies and reviewed 12 additional studies, all arriving at the same conclusion.

The doctor then stated that two of the big five personalities are linked to these diseases

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He highlights two of the "big five personalities": neuroticism and conscientiousness. These are the two main personality traits that are linked to dementia and Alzheimer's.

What is neuroticism?

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Neuroticism refers to individuals who tend to worry, fear, stress, and get angry more easily, and may also have self-image issues and depression. 

Related: The 6 Female Personality Types - Which One Are You?

What is conscientiousness? 

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In contrast, conscientious individuals are goal-oriented, task-driven, and more likely to achieve their objectives and maintain a positive self-image.

Related: THE 7 MALE PERSONALITY TYPES - WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

The study involved questionnaires and undergoing a PET scan

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The first part of the study involved 3,000 participants who completed 240 questionnaires to determine their personality type.

Following this, the study participants underwent a PET scan to measure the levels of amyloid and tau proteins in their brains, both of which are linked to dementia and Alzheimer's.

Effects of neuroticism 

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Results revealed that individuals with the neuroticism personality trait had 68% more of these proteins, significantly increasing their likelihood of developing the diseases. 

People with conscientiousness personality traits have a lower chance of getting the disease

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Meanwhile, those with the conscientiousness personality trait had a 37% reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer's.

A person with a neuroticism personality is 300% more at risk

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The second part of the study involved 1,600 people, and they underwent the same testing procedure. 

The results showed that if a person's neuroticism score was the highest among the five personality traits, and their conscientiousness score was the lowest, they had a 300% higher risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. This means they were three times more likely to suffer from the condition.

What you can do to reduce your risk of getting the disease

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The good news is that neuroticism can be managed, as it typically stems from low self-esteem and a sense of unworthiness. People can overcome these negative emotions by changing their mindset and tackling the root causes. 

Dr. Steel advises individuals to learn the root cause of negative emotions

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To overcome the increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer's associated with neuroticism, Dr. Steel advises exploring the main causes of their negative self-image and addressing them proactively. 

Although childhood experiences can contribute to neuroticism, it's never too late to take control as an adult and make positive changes.

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