A study involving more than 7,000 Norwegians in 305 occupations has shown that people with a history of cognitively stimulating occupations during their 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s have a lower risk of MCI and dementia when tested at age 70+, highlighting the importance of occupational cognitive stimulation during midlife for maintaining cognitive function as a person ages.
Dr Trine Edwin, a geriatrician and postdoctoral fellow at Oslo University Hospital, says of the research:
“It really shows how important work is. You are building your cognitive reserve at work by being cognitively active.”
When thinking about less mentally stimulated jobs, Dr Edwin says:
“It’s not that you are doomed or you are not – we can empower people for their later cognitive health with education and tasks that are cognitively stimulating.”
The study was published in Neurology and you can read it here: