Family life has always been considered a source of stability, emotional comfort, and even health benefits. However, a new study by American scientists forces us to reconsider this familiar point of view. After nearly two decades of observing the brain condition of 24,000 people with different marital statuses, experts came to surprising conclusions: married people are more likely to develop dementia.According to data published in the authoritative scientific journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, cognitive impairments were found in almost 22% of married participants. Similar rates were observed among widowed individuals.

At the same time, divorced people were more protected — dementia developed in only 12.8% of them. The “most resilient” to cognitive problems were single men and unmarried women: only 12.4% of them faced symptoms.These results have puzzled the scientific community.For decades, it was believed that family ties strengthen health — emotional support, shared care, communication. So why are the rates worse among married people?Scientists have not yet provided a definitive answer.

There are assumptions that stress and tension in family life, as well as the monotony of daily routines, can negatively affect cognitive functions over time. At the same time, single people more often face the need to make decisions on their own, plan, and adapt — which stimulates brain activity and keeps it in shape.

But it’s too early to jump to conclusions: experts emphasize that further research on this topic is necessary. Perhaps the issue lies not in marriage itself, but in the quality of relationships or other accompanying factors — stress levels, lifestyle, and habits.One thing is clear: family life can be not only a source of joy but also a challenge for the brain. The key is to maintain balance, regardless of the stamp in your passport.

One possible explanation for these unexpected results is the stress and tension that can accompany married life, as well as the repetitive nature of daily routines, which might have a negative impact on cognitive health over time. In contrast, single individuals may engage in more independent decision-making and planning, activities that could stimulate brain function and help preserve cognitive abilities.

Nevertheless, experts caution that it is premature to draw firm conclusions based solely on these observations. Further studies are needed to explore the relationship between marital status and brain health more thoroughly. It is possible that factors such as the quality of relationships, lifestyle choices, and stress levels, rather than marriage itself, play a more significant role in these outcomes. Ultimately, the key to maintaining brain health might lie in achieving a balance in one’s personal life, regardless of marital status.

Madina Mammadova\\EDnews