Cynicism Could Hurt Your Brain Health

According to a new study published in Neurology, those who exhibit high levels of cynical distrust may be more likely to develop dementia. Although cynicism has previously been associated with other health problems such as heart disease, this is the first study to examine the relationship between cynicism and dementia. “These results add to the evidence that people’s view on life and personality may have an impact on their health,” said the author of the study. During the study, 1,449 people with an average age of 71 were given tests for dementia and a questionnaire to measure their levels of cynicism. After researchers adjusted for other factors that could affect dementia risk, the results of the study showed that of the 146 people who showed high levels of cynicism, 14 people developed dementia, compared to nine of the 212 people with low levels of cynicism. To read more about this study, click here.