Researchers Discover that "Driven" Personalities May be Protected From Alzheimer's
"A surprising study of elderly people suggests that those who see themselves as self-disciplined, organized achievers have a lower risk for developing Alzheimer's disease than people who are less conscientious."
(BCN Op/ed)—There are times I've felt guilty about my Type A personality. I was the drill-sergeant mother, the multi-tasker with high expectations of everyone else, the super over-achiever, the clean freak. You know the type. Thankfully, God—in His infinite wisdom—gave me a husband who is my opposite. His mellow, laid-back attitude has kept me balanced and grounded through many a crisis. God is an amazing match-maker.
That's not to say that we don't tease each other over our different personalities. As Martha to his Mary, I am usually the one left looking and feeling ridiculously impulsive and unrealistic, while he basks in divine, steadfast calm.
Well, a new American Medical Association study may finally be giving us Martha's of the world something to rejoice over. As reported in Newsmax, "A surprising study of elderly people suggests that those who see themselves as self-disciplined, organized achievers have a lower risk for developing Alzheimer's disease than people who are less conscientious."
"A purposeful personality may somehow protect the brain, perhaps by increasing neural connections that can act as a reserve against mental decline," said study co-author Robert Wilson of Chicago's Rush University Medical Center. "This adds to our knowledge that lifestyle, personality, how we think, feel and behave are very importantly tied up with risk for this terrible illness."
I doubt this news will assuage my guilt over occasional "conscientious" excesses, but it will sure put the teasing in our house on a much more level playing field!
