All sorts of funny/semi-snarky quips came into my head as I read this article, but Alzheimer’s is really nothing to joke about, especially if one of your loved ones is afflicted.

Research findings published recently suggest that conscientiousness (self reported) may reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.

Says the article,

 

People who were highly conscientious — those in the 90th percentile with scores of 40 or higher, had an 89 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who ranked in the 10th percentile, with a score of 28 or lower.

The researchers also found that conscientiousness was linked with a slower rate of cognitive decline and a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment, a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

The conscientiousness scores were based on respondents’ answers to questions about self control and goal oriented behaviors. The article does not provide any link to the actual study, but here is an abstract. The full text is gonna cost you.

Here’s another, slightly more in-depth article about these findings.

Yet another reason to heed Bill and Ted’s advice: Be excellent to each other.