​Neuroticism linked to Alzheimer's

​Women who experience bouts of anxiety, as well as moods such as jealousy and distress, are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease in later life than those who enjoy a generally better level of mental health. 

This is according to the findings of a new study carried out by scientists at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. 

Senior author of the report Dr Ingmar Skoog told Reuters that this is unlikely to be the sole cause. 

She explained common conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or cardiovascular disease are brought about by a wide range of factors, of which this is just one. 

The researchers found that women who score higher on a test for neuroticism in midlife were twice as likely to go on to develop Alzheimer's disease that those with the lowest scores. 

Professor of neurology, psychiatry and population health at New York University's Langone Medical Center​ Dr James Galvin​ - who was not involved in the study - said those who have those traits can reduce their risk by attempting to manage them. 

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