Recent Blog Articles

Taking up adaptive sports

Cutting and self-harm: Why it happens and what to do

Discrimination at work is linked to high blood pressure

Pouring from an empty cup? Three ways to refill emotionally

Give praise to the elbow: A bending, twisting marvel

Sneezy and dopey? Seasonal allergies and your brain

The FDA relaxes restrictions on blood donation

Apps to accelerometers: Can technology improve mental health in older adults?

Swimming and skin: What to know if a child has eczema

A muscle-building obsession in boys: What to know and do
Mind & Mood
Mentally challenging jobs may reduce the risk of dementia
- By Kelly Bilodeau, Former Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
Research we're watching
Do you have a mentally stimulating job? It might reduce your risk of dementia later in life, according to an analysis published Aug. 21, 2021, in The BMJ. Researchers combined data from multiple studies that examined how work factors related to chronic disease, disability, and death. They found that people with cognitively stimulating jobs had a 23% lower risk of developing dementia compared with those whose jobs were not considered stimulating. Cognitively stimulating jobs were defined as those that allowed people to make decisions independently and required them to perform demanding tasks.
The studies, from the United States and Europe, collected information from people about their jobs. All of the participants were free of dementia at baseline (between 1986 and 2002). Follow-up to identify dementia lasted until 2017. After adjusting for other dementia risk factors, the researchers found that people in the less stimulating jobs were more likely to experience cognitive decline. However, it’s important to note this analysis could not establish whether the job type affected the brain or whether the association reflected other factors. Additional research is needed to shed more light on this issue.
Image: © Jolygon/Getty ImagesAbout the Author

Kelly Bilodeau, Former Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
You might also be interested in…

Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment
This guide from Harvard Medical School explores the subtle differences between various forms of memory problems, breaks down the different types of MCI, and explains brain function and its role in creating and retrieving memories. You will learn the causes and risk factors for MCI, what doctors look for when diagnosing the condition, and medical as well as natural ways to treat or even prevent it.
Featured Content
- Worried about memory failure?
- Risk factors for MCI and dementia
- Evaluating MCI
- Reversible causes of MCI
- Treating MCI
- Protecting against cognitive decline
- Resources
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!