Being married cuts the risk of developing dementia by almost a third, a major study has found.
Those who wed are 30 per cent less likely to suffer from the condition than those who remain single, British researchers report.
After combining data from more than 800,000 people worldwide, they suspect the lifelong interaction of marriage keeps the brain active, warding off the development of the disease.
People in a loving relationship are also more likely to eat healthily, take their medication, and go to the doctor if they are sick – all factors which reduce dementia risk.
