A recent study suggests that jobs requiring less mental engagement may be linked to a higher risk of cognitive impairment after age 70, but it does not imply causality. People with routine or repetitive jobs have a greater likelihood of developing cognitive issues later in life, compared to those in more cognitively stimulating roles. The study, published in Neurology, looked at 7,003 individuals in Norway and their work histories, finding that low occupational cognitive demands were associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment. This research is part of a larger project called “Changing lives, changing brains,” led by several institutions.
The study classified jobs based on a Routine Task Intensity (RTI) scale, with routine tasks requiring less cognitive engagement and non-routine tasks involving more mental involvement. Occupations such as factory work, filing, and bookkeeping fell into the high RTI group, which had higher rates of cognitive impairment. On the other hand, jobs that involved analysis, creativity, or strategic thinking, like computer programming or public relations, were in the lower RTI groups. The findings held true even after adjusting for income and baseline health-related factors, highlighting the impact of job type on cognitive health in later years.
The research supports the cognitive reserve hypothesis, which suggests that cognitive abilities acquired through education and occupation in early and midlife can offer resilience against age-related cognitive decline. Engaging in cognitively stimulating work can help boost neuronal activity and maintain brain health over time. While the phrase “use it or lose it” may apply to brain health, other factors like genetics and environment also play a role in the development of dementia. Sedentary lifestyles, social isolation, and limited social interaction can negatively impact cognitive development throughout adulthood, underscoring the importance of engaging in mentally stimulating activities.
Although the study does not establish a direct causal relationship between job type and cognitive impairment, it highlights the potential impact of work demands on brain health. While individuals with less mentally stimulating jobs may be concerned, there are other ways to preserve cognitive function and prevent decline. Engaging in hobbies, maintaining social connections, and pursuing stimulating activities outside of work can benefit brain health and overall well-being. While finding cognitively challenging work may be an option for some, the complex nature of the relationship between work demands and cognition makes it challenging to pinpoint causality in this area. Continuing research in this field will provide further insights into the role of occupation on cognitive health.
