People with more outgoing, logistical type personalities tend to suffer from lower levels of cognitive impairment as they age, says a new study from the University of Victoria in Canada. Conversely, higher levels of emotional reactivity are likely to lead to higher levels of mental decay.

The longitudinal, which began in 1997, is analyzing the personalities of more than 2,000 people taking part in the Rush Memory and Aging Project. The study is specifically looking at the impact of three traits (Logistics / Conscientiousness, Vitality / Extroversion, and Emotion / Neuroticism).

The authors of the study found that self-disciplined, goal-setting Logistical types were “associated with a 22% decreased risk of transitioning from normal cognitive functioning to mild cognitive impairment.” Based on their study scale, this would equate to an additional two years of life without cognitive impairment.

Positive impacts were also associated with more outgoing types known for their high levels of energy and social engagement.

On the other side of the equation, individuals with more emotionally reactive personalities tended to suffer from higher levels of cognitive decline (a 12% increase in risk).