Self-discipline, a sense of purpose and strong scruples may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new report in the Archives of General Psychiatry. Researchers at the Rush University Medical Centre in Chicago studied 997 Catholic nuns and priests over 12 years and found those who ranked highest for conscientiousness, and who consistenly agreed with statements such as, “I am a productive person who always gets the job done,” were 89% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who ranked at the bottom. Conscientiousness is also thought to boost resilience and coping skills. “These factors may lessen negative life events and chronic psychological distress associated with the risk of dementia in old age,” the authors report.

Taken from Medical Update, 2008