Alzheimers Dement

Study findings challenge marriage's protective effect against dementia

March 27, 2025

Study details: This prospective cohort study analyzed data from 24,107 participants (mean age, 71.79 years) from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center. Cox regression models were used to assess the association between baseline marital status and the risk of clinically ascertained dementia over an 18-year follow-up period.

Results: Widowed (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67-0.79), divorced (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.59-0.73), and never-married participants (HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.52-0.71) had a lower risk of developing dementia compared with married individuals. These associations remained significant after adjusting for various demographic, behavioral, clinical, genetic, and diagnostic factors. The associations were slightly stronger among professional referrals, males, and relatively younger participants.

Clinical impact: Unmarried individuals may have a lower risk of dementia, potentially indicating delayed diagnoses among this group or challenging the notion that marriage is protective against dementia. Consider these findings when assessing dementia risk and ensure that unmarried individuals receive timely and accurate diagnoses.

Source:

Karakose S, et al. (2025, March 20). Alzheimers Dement. Marital status and risk of dementia over 18 years: Surprising findings from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40110684/