People With Highly Demanding Tasks Are More Protected From Memory And Thinking Decline

According to a new study, professionals whose jobs involve significant communication, analytical, strategic and supervisory skills are less likely to feel the effects of memory loss and cognitive decline later in life. This is in comparison with their co-employees at the same population group.

"Our study is important because it suggests that the type of work you do throughout your career may have even more significance on your brain health than your education does," said Francisca S. Then, PhD, study author from the University of Leipzig in Germany. "Education is a well-known factor that influences dementia risk."

The study published online in the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, Neurology® was conducted by testing the memory and thinking skills of 1,054 people aged 75 and above. The research was performed over a period of eight years, with scheduled screenings every 1.5 years.

In the tests, the participants were asked about the details of their present and previous jobs. They were instructed to classify their tasks into three categories, namely executive, verbal and fluid. The executive tasks include arranging schedules, formulating plans of action and settling problems. The verbal class mainly involves data assessment and comprehension. Examples of those in the fluid category are analysing information and choosing thoughts.

The participants then underwent the Mini-Mental State Examination, or MMSE, a test that can determine clinical deficiencies through low test scores. After the test, the researchers found that the study subjects whose work tasks fall under the three categories scored higher by an average of two points compared to others. In addition, the higher level individuals showed more delayed cognitive deterioration. It was noted that in the period of eight years, the rate of decline of people with more demanding tasks was half less than those with with less crucial work responsibilities. The progress of memory and thinking abilities were more closely associated with the executive and verbal tasks.

The participants were again tested following the eight-year study period. Participants with high level of executive tasks scored higher by two points in thinking and memory assessments, compared to those with low levels during the initial test, and five points higher after eight years. Conversely, a two-point decline was noted after eight years amongst study subjects who had a high level of verbal tasks. "Challenges at work may indeed be a positive element, if they build up a person's mental reserve in the long-term," Then closed.

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