Could Your Partner’s Dementia Be Contagious?
Being married usually brings a host of health benefits. For instance, married individuals with heart problems tend to have a lower risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular-related fatalities. They also report a decreased likelihood of obesity and generally live longer lives.
However, the relationship between marriage and health appears to be more nuanced. A recent study reveals that individuals married to someone with dementia face a higher risk of developing dementia themselves, especially when compared to couples where neither partner is affected by the condition.
The study indicates a significant increase in risk—up to 74% for women and 69% for men.
Building on previous research, which found that widowed, divorced, or never-married individuals exhibited a lower dementia risk versus those who are married, this suggests that after a partner passes away or a divorce occurs, people often establish new social circles. Those who’ve never been married might have more resources—time and energy—to develop relationships.
If Your Spouse Has Dementia, Your Risk Increases
The recent research, published on Monday, examined nearly a million married individuals in Taiwan. It showed that spouses of dementia patients were more likely to experience similar cognitive decline compared to couples unaffected by the condition.
Dementia isn’t a single disease but rather a collection of symptoms that indicate cognitive decline, affecting memory, language, and problem-solving skills. This study considered all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
The findings were consistent across both genders and various living environments—urban, suburban, and rural settings. Interestingly, those with higher incomes and more children showed a slightly decreased risk for dementia, yet the overall association remained.
Why Can One Spouse Increase Dementia Risk in the Other?
Researchers posit a few possible explanations, including underlying factors that may have been in place well before dementia manifests.
First, there’s the concept of assortative mating—essentially, individuals often choose partners who share similar education levels, socioeconomic status, and health habits. Higher levels of education, income, healthful diets, and consistent exercise can all contribute to delaying or lowering dementia risk. These foundational aspects can significantly influence later cognitive health.
Moreover, couples tend to share lifestyle habits throughout their years together, including diet and exercise routines, which may impact cognitive aging.
If one spouse becomes affected by dementia, it’s possible that their partner may also develop the condition partly due to years of shared living conditions.
Nevertheless, researchers indicate that neither assortative mating nor shared experiences fully account for the strong correlation observed. This trend appears to cross various demographic groups, suggesting that even the healthiest, wealthiest, and most educated couples aren’t immune.
Lastly, the strain of caregiving cannot be overlooked. When one partner faces dementia, the other frequently becomes the primary caregiver. Alarmingly, about a third of caregivers themselves may struggle with health issues while providing care, often without support.
Caregivers endure numerous stressors, such as heightened risks of depression, anxiety, and feelings of frustration and guilt. These pressures can increase the likelihood of reliance on substances, further elevating dementia risks.
Interestingly, the study pointed out a slight disparity between men and women, particularly in couples without children. This suggests that, in the absence of child support, the caregiving burden tends to fall more heavily on wives.
