Abstract
ObjectivesGrowing evidence suggests a protective effect of high mental demands at work on cognitive function in later life. However, evidence on corresponding associations in older adults at increased risk for dementia is currently lacking. This study investigates the association between mental demands at work and cognitive functioning in the population of the AgeWell.de-trial.MethodsCross-sectional investigation of the association between global cognitive functioning (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and mental demands at work in older individuals at increased risk for dementia (Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE)score ≥ 9; n = 941, age: 60–77 years). Occupational information was matched to Occupational Information Network (O*NET)-descriptors. Associations between cognitive function and O*NET-indices executive, verbal and novelty were investigated using generalized linear models.ResultsHigher values of index verbal (b = .69, p = .002) were associated with better cognitive function when adjusting for covariates. No association was observed for indices executive (b = .37, p = .062) and novelty (b = .45, p = .119). Higher education, younger age, and employment were linked to better cognitive function, while preexisting medical conditions did not change the associations. Higher levels of depressive symptomatology were associated with worse cognitive function.ConclusionsHigher levels of verbal demands at work were associated with better cognitive function for older adults with increased dementia risk. This suggests an advantage for older persons in jobs with high mental demands even after retirement and despite prevalent risk factors. Longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these results and evaluate the potential of workplaces to prevent cognitive decline through increased mental demands.
Highlights
More than 50 million people worldwide are living with dementia, a number predicted to increase to 152 million until 2050 [1]
If mental demands in the workplace contribute to better cognitive functioning in later life, this would indicate a large window of opportunity for prevention of cognitive decline and dementia, especially since modern labor markets increasingly rely on jobs characterized by cognitive rather than physical demands [11]
As our analyses rely on a sample of older adults at increased risk for dementia, these results indicate that high mental demands targeting verbal intelligence are linked to better cognitive functioning despite prevalent risk factors
Summary
More than 50 million people worldwide are living with dementia, a number predicted to increase to 152 million until 2050 [1]. Several potentially modifiable factors increasing risk for dementia have been identified, including low education, hearing loss, traumatic brain injury, arterial hypertension, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption (> 21 units per week), diabetes mellitus, depression, physical inactivity, smoking, social isolation, and exposure to air pollution [3]. In addition to these risk factors, a growing number of studies has investigated the relationship between cognitively stimulating workplaces and later-life cognitive functioning [4,5,6,7]. If mental demands in the workplace contribute to better cognitive functioning in later life, this would indicate a large window of opportunity for prevention of cognitive decline and dementia, especially since modern labor markets increasingly rely on jobs characterized by cognitive rather than physical demands [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
