(NaturalNews) While factors such as smoking, elevated blood pressure and high cholesterol are linked to developing dementia (and other health problems of course), a new study has found that having a cynical outlook on life can also contribute to the onset of the memory-robbing disease (1).

In a study that Anna-Maija Tolppanen of the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio, says demonstrates the connection between personality and health, people whose ages averaged 71 answered questions that tested their levels of cynicism. Dementia was also tested in a separate questionnaire. The results, which were published in the journal Neurology, were that those with the highest level of cynicism were at a 2.5 times greater risk of dementia compared to their more trusting counterparts (2).

Specifically, subjects were asked to rate their level of agreement with certain statements that included, "Most people will use somewhat unfair reasons to gain profit" and "It is safer to trust nobody."

How personality impacts health

Dr. Hilary Tindle, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh agrees that personality and health go hand in hand. "I can tell you from my clinical perspective from treating patients, I am absolutely certain that psychological attitudes can lead people down a road to poor health, because I see it every day when I talk to patients."

Essentially, cynical people, like many others who experience regular stress over certain matters, are at a greater health risk for a host of issues, not just dementia. Because increased stress leads to inflammation in the body, high blood pressure and a higher heart rate, they are at an increased risk for cardiovascular problems and even cancer (2). In fact, even young people, who experience stress in the form of being bullied, have been shown to have higher levels of inflammation in their body later in life which may mean they have a three- to four-fold increased risk of getting diabetes or even heart disease (3).

To help combat cynicism, experts suggest helpful tips such as avoiding negative people, anticipating positive outcomes rather than negative ones, and to let go of "the world is against me" assumptions (4).

Sources for this article include:

(1) http://www.upi.com

(2) http://www.cnn.com

(3) http://www.naturalnews.com

(4) http://www.wellsphere.com

About the author:
A science enthusiast with a keen interest in health nutrition, Antonia has been intensely researching various dieting routines for several years now, weighing their highs and their lows, to bring readers the most interesting info and news in the field. While she is very excited about a high raw diet, she likes to keep a fair and balanced approach towards non-raw methods of food preparation as well. >>> Click here to see more by Antonia