Parents who raise daughters may enjoy sharper minds and better memories in old age compared to those with sons, according to a new scientific study. The research suggests the emotional support typically provided by daughters could be a protective factor against cognitive decline, a major warning sign for dementia.
The Daughter Effect on Brain Health
Scientists from Hohai University in China analysed cognitive function data from hundreds of older people who participated in a health study in 2018. Their findings, published in the Journal of Women and Ageing, revealed a significant pattern. Older parents who had raised daughters rather than sons scored notably higher on measures of brain health.
The researchers propose that daughters often provide superior emotional support to ageing parents. This support is crucial in combating social isolation, a well-established and major risk factor for developing dementia. The study indicated that the positive effect on cognitive abilities was even stronger for ageing mothers than for fathers.
Loneliness and the UK's Biggest Killer
This research highlights a critical issue in public health. In the UK, nearly one million people live with dementia, and it remains the country's leading cause of death, claiming over 75,000 lives annually. Factors like loneliness and a lack of family support are known to exacerbate the risks of developing this incurable condition.
The study's authors stated: 'Daughters improve their parents' cognitive level by providing relatively more emotional support.' Interestingly, the greatest cognitive benefits were observed in families with just one daughter, a phenomenon the researchers attribute to potentially greater continuity of care.
Hope for Future Treatments
This insight into modifiable risk factors comes amid growing optimism in the fight against dementia. Last week, experts suggested that life-changing treatments could emerge within the next five to ten years, with a cure becoming a long-term possibility.
Professor Tara Spires-Jones, Director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, expressed strong optimism: 'I'm very optimistic that in the short term we will have treatments that can meaningfully slow or stop disease progression. In the long term we should be able to prevent dementia entirely and hopefully we'll get to a cure.'
The findings also underscore the importance of early diagnosis. The NHS has a target to identify at least two-thirds of people living with dementia to ensure they receive necessary help and treatment. This goal aligns with the Daily Mail's 'Defeating Dementia' campaign in partnership with the Alzheimer's Society, which aims to boost awareness, research, and care.
