Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia in older adults. It slowly damages the brain, especially the parts that control memory.
While health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes are known to raise the risk of Alzheimer’s, new research shows that personality might also play a role in how the brain ages.
Scientists at the University of Geneva have found that some personality traits could help protect the brain from the effects of aging and Alzheimer’s. Their study focused on older adults aged 65 and up. The researchers used brain scans to look for signs of Alzheimer’s, like amyloid plaques, and to measure the size of different brain areas.
What they discovered was surprising. People who were less agreeable—meaning they didn’t always try to please others, weren’t afraid of conflict, and were more independent—seemed to have healthier memory circuits in the brain. These brain areas are often among the first to be damaged by Alzheimer’s.
Agreeableness is a personality trait linked with kindness, cooperation, and trying to get along with others. While these are generally good traits, the study found that being too agreeable might not help the brain as we age. Instead, traits like curiosity, independence, and a willingness to challenge ideas may help keep the brain healthier.
Another trait the study looked at was openness to experience. People who are open to experience like to explore new things, learn, and think deeply. This trait also seemed to support brain health, although the connection was not as strong as with lower agreeableness.
This study fits with earlier research showing that being mentally active and curious throughout life may slow down memory loss. It also adds a new layer to our understanding of what might protect the brain from Alzheimer’s.
The scientists say that personality traits are not easy to change, especially later in life. But their work suggests that knowing someone’s personality may help doctors create better plans to protect brain health.
For example, encouraging curiosity and lifelong learning might help reduce the risk of dementia, especially in people who are already at higher risk due to other health conditions.
This study does not mean that being kind or agreeable is bad. Instead, it shows that a balance of traits may be important. Being curious, open to new ideas, and able to think independently might give the brain extra tools to stay strong in later years.
The research was led by Professor Panteleimon Giannakopoulos and published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging. It helps show how our minds and personalities could be linked to brain health, offering new hope for preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies that bad lifestyle habits can cause Alzheimer’s disease, and strawberries can be good defence against Alzheimer’s.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that oral cannabis extract may help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms, and Vitamin E may help prevent Parkinson’s disease.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
