Bringing up daughters may be linked to lower dementia risk

A study published in the Journal of Women and Ageing found older parents who raised daughters scored higher on measures of cognitive function; researchers say daughters may provide more emotional support, which can reduce social isolation, a known dementia risk factor.

A recent study reports that older parents who raised daughters scored higher on tests of cognitive function than those with sons. Researchers suggest this may be because daughters provide more emotional support, reducing social isolation, which is a known risk factor for dementia. The Hohai University team analysed cognitive data from hundreds of older participants in a 2018 health study, and the findings were published in the Journal of Women and Ageing. The report appears alongside ongoing UK efforts to improve dementia diagnosis, awareness and research. Key findings: - Researchers at Hohai University analysed cognitive data from hundreds of older participants who were part of a 2018 health study. - Parents with daughters scored significantly higher on measures of brain health than those with sons, according to the published report. - The largest association was reported in families with a single daughter, which the authors suggested may reflect greater continuity of care. - The researchers said daughters provided relatively more emotional support, which could reduce social isolation, a recognised risk factor for dementia. - The article notes that nearly one million people in the UK live with dementia and that the condition causes more than 75,000 deaths a year. Summary: The study highlights an association between having daughters and higher cognitive scores, which the authors link to greater emotional support and reduced social isolation. The reported effect was stronger for ageing mothers and appeared largest in families with one daughter. Undetermined at this time.