Norwegian scientists at the University of Oslo have discovered that working diligently not only benefits one’s career but also helps protect cognitive abilities, aiding in the prevention of dementia.
According to the study, engaging in unchallenging work from the ages of 30 to 60 increases the risk of mild cognitive impairment by 66% and dementia by 37% after the age of 70.
Lead author of the research report, Dr. Trine Edwin, a researcher at the University of Oslo Hospital, stated, “The results of the study show that having a job that requires more complex thinking can help maintain memory and cognition in old age. The workplace plays a significant role in promoting cognitive health.”
Dr. Edwin added that longer education can also offset the effects of repetitive work. For example, attending university can reduce the health risks of repetitive work by 60%, although it does not completely eliminate this risk.
Dr. Richard Isaacson, director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at the Florida Neuroscience Institute, praised the study’s findings. He emphasized, “As we age, maintaining a positive lifestyle, setting goals, learning new things, and staying socially active can effectively prevent a decline in cognitive abilities.”
Dr. Isaacson noted that the saying “use it or lose it” applies here, suggesting that engaging in challenging work tasks and interacting with colleagues can help ward off dementia.
The study was published in the journal Psychiatry by the American Psychiatric Association. It tracked the health and occupational data of 7,000 Norwegians from their 30s until retirement in their 60s.
For the analysis, Dr. Edwin’s research team categorized the cognitive demands of 305 occupations in Norway.
Professions such as lawyers, doctors, accountants, engineers, public servants, and teachers were classified as having high cognitive demands. These jobs typically require creative thinking, information analysis, problem-solving, and communicating ideas and information to others. Interpersonal skills, like mentoring or motivating others, are also necessary.
Repetitive physical and mental tasks, on the other hand, include typical roles like factory workers, bookkeepers, caretakers, construction workers, and postal workers.
Dr. Edwin remarked, “We speculate that individuals at risk of Alzheimer’s disease can benefit from utilizing career development, learning new job tasks, and enhancing their skills; further research will help clarify which specific activities are most beneficial for brain health.”
Additionally, certain lifestyle choices are beneficial for brain health, such as the Mediterranean diet, moderating alcohol intake and quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, regularly assessing and treating hearing and vision loss, adequate sleep, and stress management, all of which can help individuals overcome the risk of declining cognitive abilities.