Optimism & Dementia risk
This study analysed the relationship between being optimistic and the probability of developing dementia. Here is its conclusion:
"Previous studies suggest that higher optimism is associated with better cognitive function and slower cognitive decline in ageing. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative sample of older US adults, we examined whether optimism was associated with lower risk of developing dementia in different population groups. We observed that a 1 standard deviation increase in optimism was associated with a lower hazard of developing dementia (hazard ratio 0.82, 95% confidence interval 0.79 to 0.85) over follow up ranging up to 14 years. Findings suggest optimism may be a novel target for interventions seeking to lower the risk of dementia." (1)
The article was published on 31 December. It is sensible to assume that this timing was purely coincidental, but it would make a good New Year's resolution, or a good birthday resolution, to become more optimistic. There are simple techniques for doing this, for example writing down three reasons to be positive every morning, and writing down three good things that happened at the end of every day. It is easy to be critical of people who 'always look on the bright side of life', but the evidence is clear: being optimistic is good for your wellbeing.
Reference
Stenlund S, et al. (2025) Optimism and the risk of developing dementia. Innov Aging. 9 (Suppl 2):igaf122.3630. doi: 10.1093/geroni/igaf122.3630