Researchers have found that the more people use their brains at work or while learning , the less chance of dementia!
People in routine and repetitive jobs found to have 31% greater risk of disease in later life, and 66% higher risk of mild cognitive problems
In a study of more than 7,000 Norwegians in 305 occupations, those who held the least mentally demanding jobs had a 66% greater risk of mild cognitive impairment, and a 31% greater risk of dementia, after the age of 70 compared with those in the most mentally taxing roles.
In the study, those who had worked in the least cognitively challenging jobs, 42% were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, compared with only 27% who had worked in the most cognitively stimulating roles.
It’s tempting to find those jobs that are routine and less stimulating than others - and vero g in front of the TV !
Just as much as physical exercise delays frailty. education also has a significant protective effect against cognitive decline in old age building “cognitive reserves” – the capacity to improvise and find alternative ways of doing things – which may help stave off mental decline,
The study shows that higher levels of education accounted for about 60% of the protective effect seen among people who did mentally stimulating jobs.
Those people who are in less mentally stimulating jobs might benefit from further education and pursuing more cognitively challenging pastimes outside work.
Dr Robyn Kaye says that being able to work and keeping your mind mentally stimulated is important on so many levels!!
It’s important to regularly challenge your brain with mentally stimulating activities through education, occupation or leisure - as this research clearly shows the link with lower risk of cognitive (memory and thinking skills) decline and dementia.
Inspired by the Gaurdian - Ian Sample Science Editor