Are your parents bothering you for marriage? Perhaps, this is the best time to introduce them to a new research published in the Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Claims that marriage has a positive effect on your mental health, for a challenge because new studies by researchers at Florida State University show that people who are unmarried, whether they are never married or divorce, may actually reduce the risk of developing dementia than their married counterparts.

What do conclusions suggest?

Earlier, a 2019 study suggested that people who are unmarried, have “quite more likely to develop dementia in a period of study than their married counterparts”.

Now, the latest studies, which tracked more than 24,000 Americans in 18 years, have previously debunted earlier conclusions and states.

So, does this mean that marriage is bad for your brain? Let’s know.

“Marriage cannot be so strongly protective”

Gleniagles BGS Hospital Advisor Neurologist Dr. Avinash Kulkarni states that while social interaction is considered a protective factor against a long cognitive decline, it is not important that it is not important. “Each relationship has its own emotional ecosystem. Just being married does not mean that a person is protected from cognitive issues,” they say.

He describes the study as an offering “mixed result” rather than a clear-cut link between the marital position and dementia. “It clearly does not show marriage that is a risk factor. What it says that the marriage cannot be as strongly protective as we believe,” they say.

Dr. Kulkarni also highlighted the complexity of trying to implement US-based data in the Indian context. “In India, dementia seems more common in married women, especially those who are limited to family roles without individual development or career,” they see, that emotional dissatisfaction or ineffective sense can play an important role in mental health results.

Yashoda Super Specialty Hospital Consultant Neurologist Dr. Love Bansal echoed the approach that it is not a marriage itself, but is a life within or outside that it matters. “Marriage as a social construction does not directly affect the dementia risk. It is an associated lifestyle – section level, activity, and emotional health – which affects brain health,” they explain.

He also notes the shifting society criteria, especially in the West, where choosing a single stay comes with increase in freedom, strong social networks and more opportunities for personal development. These factor can contribute to all low dementia risk.

Dr. Bansal says, “The real tech should be about the quality of lifestyle, not a marital status.”

Role of stress, support and shared habits

Dr. Shivkumar R, Head and Senior Consultant Neurologist, Manipal Hospital, Sarjapur Road, Bangalore, add another layer to the conversation. “While marriage provides emotional companionship, it also brings complications – especially in unhappy marriage or in careful roles, which can be mentally and physically dry,” they say. Chronic stress, depression and anxiety – all are associated with cognitive decline – may be amplified in such situations.

He also noted that lifestyle can be shared in married couples can be a two -edged sword. “Couples often mirror each other’s habits. If a partner has a unhealthy routine, the other can also adopt them.”

On the other hand, unmarried individuals can maintain broad social circles and engage in a variety of activities, which are known to protect the health of the brain.

Other clarification

While data suggests that dementia is higher in married individuals, it may be due to the prejudice of detection. This means that the husband -wife is more likely to notice the early symptoms and push for medical help, causing more diagnosis.

However, since the study had a regular check -up with doctors in all participants (serving as a type of proxy spouse), this explanation is not completely.

Additionally, the specimens used in the study lacked variety and had one percent more of married participants, which could limit how the conclusions were widely applied.

However, the research that explains is that the link between relationships and brain health is more leveling than earlier ideas. Marriage alone is not necessarily a security measure against dementia. The quality of a relationship such as factors, how one can feel divine, cultural references, and socially connected, all can play a role. The study eventually suggests that, regardless of the state of your relationship, feeling supported and emotionally complete can be more important to the health of the brain than being married only.