00:00You know how they say after enough years of marriage, couples start to look alike?
00:04Now scientists say they may start to think alike too, but not in a good way.
00:08A new study suggests that if your husband or wife develops dementia,
00:12your own risk of developing the condition could increase by as much as 70%.
00:16Seven zero. Researchers looked at nearly 1 million married people in Taiwan and found that when one
00:22spouse had dementia, the other was significantly more likely to develop it as well. Obviously,
00:28dementia is not contagious. So what's really going on here? Well, scientists believe the
00:32connection is more likely due to decades of shared habits, things like diet, exercise,
00:37and lifestyle, along with the stress that can come from caring for a spouse with dementia.
00:41The study also found the link held true across men and women, different income levels, and people
00:45living in urban, suburban, and rural communities. The takeaway, if you're caring for a loved one
00:50with dementia, don't forget to take care of yourself too. Your brain may benefit just as much as your heart.
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