Everybody knows that love and marriage goes together like a horse and carriage; turns out that being married can also reduce the risk of dementia.

A new study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry reveals that being single for the rest of your life could increase your risk of developing dementia by 42 per cent in comparison to married couples.

People who have been widowed are also at a greater risk, with an increased chance of 20 per cent.

Researchers from University College London examined the findings from 15 separate studies, all of which explored the correlation between dementia risk and marital status. By combining the results from these studies, the researchers were able to analyze data from over 800,000 people worldwide.

“Spouses help to encourage healthy habits, look out for their partner’s health and provide important social support,” says Dr Laura Phipps of Alzheimer’s Research UK. ““”The companionship of marriage and the care that partners provide for one another could therefore be contributing factors towards reducing your risk of mental illness later in life.”

Continuing to see spouses and loved ones is also important for people with dementia who are living in residential care homes, even people with latter stages dementia.

“Lots of people wrongly believe that dementia sufferers don’t benefit from seeing loved ones they no longer recognize,” says Jamie Smith, Projects & Development Director at Coate Water Care, “but research by the Alzheimer's Society shows that family visits stimulate feelings of happiness, comfort and security.” 

“Even as the condition progresses, people with dementia can still hold an ‘emotional memory’. This means they continue to feel happy long after a visit or experience that they may have forgotten.”

“Coate Water Care has an open doors policy at our seven residential care homes and we encourage people to visit spouses, relatives and friends with dementia regularly and help them take part in activities they enjoy.”  

To find out about residential care for people living with dementia or to arrange a visit to any of Coate Water Care’s outstanding care homes, please contact our ‘Welcome Team’ on 01793 821200.