Dementia is the progressive decline of attention, memory, problem solving, language and other cognitive functions. In the UK alone there are 700,000 people with dementia. Researchers aren't sure what causes the condition, and although they think it is a combination of genetic factors and personality traits, they've been unable to determine whether certain personality traits cause the condition, or are an early sign of the dementia. New research might have the answer.

A study in the UK, lead by Dr Hui-Xin Wang of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, shows evidence that being socially active and calm can reduce the risk of dementia. The study involved 500 healthy people, age 78 and over, who filled out questionnaires about the nature of their social lives and personalities. After the questionnaires, the subjects were watched for six years; during that time 144 of the 500 people developed dementia. The study was published in the journal Neurology.

The study found that those who were calm and relaxed by nature had a 50 percent less chance of developing the disease. Those who were socially inactive, but still calm and relaxed, also had a 50 percent less chance of developing dementia. In addition, those who were outgoing, yet still calm and relaxed had a 50 percent less chance. But those who were easily distressed, whether isolated, outgoing, active or inactive, were more likely to develop dementia. Again, researchers still don't know if high stress causing dementia, or is simply an early warning sign.

Past studies have shown that stress can affect parts of the brain that could lead to dementia, but researchers on this study are taking it even further and saying that being calm and relaxed, while also being outgoing and social, can actually decrease the chances of dementia. They believe this is due to chronic distress and anxiety releasing chemicals in the brain that can damage the brain tissues and cause cognitive function issues like those in dementia, but right now it is only a theory.

If the studies are correct, people who are isolated, inactive, and high stress should take precautions to reduce their chances of developing dementia by becoming social active and finding ways to relax and rejuvenate. Yoga, talk therapy, joining a hobby group, meditation, and a wide variety of other activities could help reduce stress, increase the quality of life, and decrease the chances of developing dementia.