M DEMENTIA RISK

Many factors can reduce the risk of developing dementia, such as a healthy lifestyle.

Being calm and mature as an adolescent is linked to a significantly lower risk of dementia decades later, new research finds.

However, being neurotic is linked to a higher risk of dementia in later life.

Neuroticism is a personality trait that is strongly linked to anxiety, sadness, irritability and self-consciousness.

Neurotic people experience more social anxiety because social situations can be stressful anyway and the neurotic mind tends to focus on the negative.

A second personality trait linked to an increased risk of dementia is a lack of conscientiousness.

People who lack conscientiousness tend to be inefficient and undisciplined — and they tend not to aim for achievement.

Personality, though, is not destiny, when it comes to dementia — good brain health is about nature and nurture.

Many factors can reduce the risk of developing dementia, such as a healthy lifestyle, including eating properly and getting enough exercise.

Keeping the mind active is also thought to reduce the risk of dementia.

Learning new activities, travel and deepening social relationships may all be beneficial.