A study published in 2025 by the prestigious journal Alzheimer's & Dementia concluded that unmarried people – whether divorced, widowed, or never married – are significantly less at risk of developing dementia than their married peers.
In an 18-year analysis of more than 24,000 adults aged 50 to 104, researchers found that single people, especially those who had never married, had the lowest rates of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia with Lewy bodies.
What makes this finding even more significant is the fact that even participants who had mild signs of cognitive impairment at the start of the study were less likely to progress to dementia if they were unmarried.
According to researchers, this phenomenon can be explained by several possible factors. Single people often build more stable social connections outside the home, have a stronger sense of self-sufficiency, and are exposed to a more diverse range of life experiences – elements that may help maintain brain health.
This study challenges traditional perceptions about marriage and well-being, opening a new window into understanding the link between lifestyle and mental health in old age.
Source: Psychology Today
