Physically demanding jobs linked to higher cognitive impairment risk.
Physically demanding jobs linked to higher cognitive impairment risk.
Physically Demanding Jobs and the Risk of Dementia
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If you have a physically demanding job, you might be at a higher risk of developing dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), according to a recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe. The study suggests that individuals engaged in jobs with consistently high levels of physical activity have a 15.5% risk of dementia, compared to a 9% risk for those with low physical activity occupations. Furthermore, people with intermediate levels of physical activity in their jobs are at a greater risk of experiencing mild cognitive impairment, which can potentially lead to dementia.
The research analyzed data from the HUNT4 70+ Study, one of the largest collections of dementia data, focusing on individuals aged 33-65 living in the county of Trøndelag in Sweden. The study included 7,005 participants, with approximately half of them being women.
Occupational physical activity was defined as tasks that require significant use of the arms and legs, involving movements like climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials. The study rated occupational physical activity on a scale of one to five, with one representing the least amount of physical activity and five reflecting the highest level.
Some of the most common occupations among participants with exposure to intensive physical activity were retail, nursing and care, and farming.
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A Life-course Perspective on Dementia Risk
The study aimed to explore the risks of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias throughout an individual’s lifetime. Dr. Vegard Skirbekk, the study’s corresponding author, emphasized the importance of understanding dementia risks in a life-course perspective, as the causes of dementia later in life could potentially be traced back to earlier stages.
Dr. Roseanne Freak-Poli, a life-course epidemiologist and senior research fellow, supported this approach, highlighting the significance of considering occupational histories when analyzing cognitive health. She explained that as individuals age, the intensity of physical activity in their jobs tends to decrease. Thus, examining occupational physical activity across the life course provides a more comprehensive understanding than measuring it at just one time point.
Ryan Glatt, a brain health coach, expressed a particular interest in the study’s finding regarding the link between intermediate occupational physical activity and MCI. Dr. Skirbekk noted that the risks associated with MCI and dementia are likely a matter of degree, suggesting that the greater the physical strains, the higher the potential risks later in life. However, Glatt observed that this study signals a connection rather than definitively determining the cause.
Co-factors Potentially at Play
The researchers also considered various co-factors such as education, income, marital status, health, and lifestyle-related factors during their analysis. Glatt speculates that the relationship between occupational physical activity and late-life cognitive impairment might be influenced by differences in socioeconomic status. Additionally, he raised questions about the potential influence of job-related stress and exposure to environmental toxins in physically demanding occupations.
Lowering Dementia Risk in Physically Intensive Jobs
While it may not be practical to advise individuals to switch jobs solely based on the risk of dementia, there are steps people in physically demanding roles can take to protect their cognitive health. Dr. Skirbekk suggested that having autonomy, taking breaks, and having control over one’s physical demands may help lower the risks.
In addition to these recommendations, following standard advice for reducing dementia risk factors is essential. This includes avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol intake, social isolation, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, physical inactivity, and reducing exposure to air pollution. Glatt recommended incorporating structured exercise, such as aerobic and strength training, during leisure time, even for those already engaged in physically demanding work. Adequate sleep is also critical for cognitive health.
Furthermore, this study prompts us to consider and conduct more research on the occupational factors influencing longevity and health outcomes. By better understanding the relationships between physical activity, stress, and cognitive activity, we may gain valuable insights into preserving brain health.
As Ryan Glatt aptly puts it, “Occupational risks are really interesting, environmental exposures are interesting, job stresses are interesting: the relationship between what’s good about a job and what’s bad about a job.” With more occupational research, we can expand our understanding of the factors contributing to an individual’s brain health journey.
“And I think if we are able to understand the relationships between those factors better — such as physical activity and stress and cognitive activity — I’m hopeful we can understand yet another factor of what might contribute to someone’s brain health journey.” – Ryan Glatt
