People who are more extraverted and calm may be less likely to develop dementia, according to new research.

Findings published in the journal Neurology show that certain personality traits are linked to lower rates of these memory problems.

Study author Dr Hui-Xin Wang said past research had discovered a link between “chronic distress” and areas of the brain related to memory.

“Our findings suggest that having a calm and outgoing personality in combination with a socially active lifestyle may decrease the risk of developing dementia even further,” he explained.

As part of the study, more than 500 seniors without dementia were polled about their habits and lifestyle choices, including how often they participated in social activities.

Six years later, researchers followed up and found that 144 participants had developed dementia. Those who had been judged to be calm were half as likely to be in this category, compared with those who were prone to distress.

Meanwhile, people who were outgoing and calm were shown to be 50 percent less likely to develop dementia than subjects who were outgoing and prone to distress.

Many people have turned to nutritional supplements to help preserve their memory and cognitive skills as they age.