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Mentally Stimulating Jobs Linked to Lower Dementia Risk, Study Reveals

A comprehensive study finds that jobs with high cognitive demands can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in later life.

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Jobs that feature repetitive manual work without the option of more challenging mental tasks may raise the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, the new study found.

Overview

  • Jobs requiring complex thinking and problem-solving linked to a 37% lower risk of dementia after age 70.
  • Routine jobs with minimal mental stimulation associated with a 66% higher risk of mild cognitive impairment.
  • Education can mitigate, but not fully eliminate, the cognitive risks of less demanding jobs.
  • Cognitive engagement in the workplace is crucial for maintaining brain health as people age.
  • Further research is needed to identify specific job tasks that most effectively preserve cognitive function.