A recent study published in the Neurology journal on April 17 reveals that mentally challenging occupations may significantly slow cognitive decline, suggesting that the intensity of intellectual engagement in one’s career could be key to maintaining mental acuity beyond the age of 70.
According to research led by Dr. Trine Holt Edwin from Oslo University Hospital, engaging in jobs that stimulate the brain across various life stages—from your 30s to your 60s—correlates with a lower incidence of mild cognitive impairment after reaching 70 years old. The study analyzed over 7,000 individuals employed in 305 different professions throughout Norway, evaluating the cognitive and physical demands of their roles.
The findings highlighted that individuals in intellectually demanding jobs, such as teaching, displayed a markedly lower rate of cognitive decline compared to those in less mentally taxing roles like mail delivery or janitorial work. Specifically, about 42% of participants in low brain-engagement careers developed mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to more severe conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In contrast, only 27% of those in high cognitive demand jobs experienced similar declines.
The disparity suggests that the risk of mild cognitive impairment could be up to 66% higher in individuals whose jobs do not challenge their cognitive abilities. These results underscore the potential protective effect of intellectually stimulating work and affirm the importance of both continuous education and challenging occupations in safeguarding long-term cognitive health.
Dr. Edwin emphasizes the necessity for further studies to identify which specific job-related cognitive tasks are most effective at preserving memory and thinking skills, aiming to inform future strategies for mental health preservation across the workforce.