Among the strengths of this study was the use of a psychometrically robust and detailed personality assessment administered over a relatively long follow-up interval. The facet-level analyses allowed us to examine which aspects of the heterogeneous domains were most strongly related to AD. For neuroticism, we found the strongest effects for the depression, anxiety, and angry-hostility facets, and a trend for vulnerability. Given the large literature documenting the role of depression in dementia2, 30, 45, 46 it was not surprising to find an association between this facet and risk of AD. Comparatively less is known about the role of anxiety as a risk factor of AD, but some studies have found similar associations.47, 48 The association of angry-hostility supports the above hypothesis for agreeableness (i.e., hostility increases risk), and the effect of vulnerability supports the role of stress vulnerability in dementia.48, 49 Turning to conscientiousness, most of the facets were associated with reduced risk of AD. The strongest effect was observed for self-discipline, a measure of motivation, persistence, and ability to achieve a goal despite distractions, boredom, or difficulties. This
