Antonio Terracciano, professor of geriatrics who authored the study, said: “Such protection against neuropathology may derive from a lifetime difference in people’s emotions and behaviours.
“For example, past research has shown that low neuroticism helps with managing stress and reduces the risk of common mental health disorders.
“Similarly, high conscientiousness is consistently related to healthy lifestyles, like physical activity.
“Over time, more adaptive personality traits can better support metabolic and immunological functions, and ultimately prevent or delay the neuro-degeneration process.”