Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
02 June 2014 09:15
Dementia usually occurs in people over the age of 65
Cynical people face a greater risk of developing dementia as they get older, according to a new study.
Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland have found that individuals who display high levels of "cynical distrust" are three times more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia than those with low levels.
The team, led by Dr Anna-Maija Tolppanen, defined cynical distrust as the belief that others are mainly motivated by selfish concerns.
Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities. This includes problems with memory loss, thinking speed, mental agility, language, understanding and judgement.
The cognitive condition, which affects around 800,000 people in the UK, usually occurs in people over the age of 65.
But just because someone suffers from dementia, it doesn't mean they can't enjoy the finer things in life. Medical travel insurance gives individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of the condition the peace of mind they need when on holiday abroad.
The scientists used a questionnaire to measure cynicism levels in 1,449 people with an average age of 71, while participants were also given two tests for dementia.
Some 622 of the subjects completed the tests over an average period of eight years, during which time a total of 46 individuals were diagnosed with the condition.
Findings were adjusted to take account of factors known to influence dementia risk, including raised blood pressure and cholesterol, and smoking.
Furthermore, 14 of the 164 people with high cynicism scores went on to develop dementia compared with nine of the 212 with low levels of cynicism.
Dr Tolppanen claims the results add to the existing evidence that people's view on life and personality may have an impact on their health in later life.
25 May 2018
Two popular sunscreens become significantly less effective once the wearer has been in sea water, a watchdog has warned.
[more...]
24 May 2018
A recent report by Cancer Research UK claims young people who are exposed to just one extra junk food TV advert per week consume up to 18,000 extra calories every year.
Eating one egg a day may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes, according to a new study.
22 May 2018
Theresa May is to give a speech explaining how artificial intelligence will be used to help prevent 22,000 cancer deaths a year by 2033.
19 May 2018
A recent study in Taiwan has revealed that heart attacks occur more frequently in cold weather - with the figure increasing "dramatically" when the temperature drops below 15C (59F).
18 May 2018
A team of scientists have managed to successfully conduct a "memory transplant" between snails by transferring RNA, a form of genetic information, from one snail to another.
17 May 2018
A new study has found that certain types of exercise do not prevent the onset or worsening of dementia and may even contribute to further cognitive impairment.
16 May 2018
The average British child has visited four European cities and been on three long-haul holidays as well as skiing twice - all before their 10th birthday.
15 May 2018
Ethiopian Airlines has unveiled a new "landmark" route from Manchester Airport to the north African city of Ethiopia.
12 May 2018
Health experts have expressed concern at recent outbreaks of measles across England.
Cinema drinks contain "unacceptable" levels of bacteria
10 May 2018
The HPV vaccine offered to teenage girls has proved to be safe and effective in preventing the virus that causes cervical cancer, an independent review has revealed.