Research Study Highlights Occupational Impact on Cognitive Health in Older Adults

Education is widely recognized as a strong predictor of cognitive health in aging. However, a recent study published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences explores how occupational experiences before age 60 mediate the relationship between education and cognitive function in adults aged 65 and older.

Led by Dr. Qiuchang (Katy) Cao of Florida State University (FSU) College of Social Work, along with Dr. Dawn Carr of the FSU Claude Pepper Center and Dr. Miles Taylor of the Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy, the study examines how occupational exposures can be potential mechanisms partially explaining why early life education is beneficial to cognitive health later in life.

The researchers identified two critical occupational factors affecting later-life cognition: occupational hazards and occupational complexity.

• Occupational hazards include exposure to dangerous equipment, poor lighting, cramped workspaces, and extreme temperatures—often found in physically demanding jobs like construction and manufacturing. Such exposures are linked to increased risks of neurodegenerative diseases.
• Occupational complexity refers to job characteristics such as decision-making freedom, problem-solving, creativity, and leadership. These cognitively stimulating tasks may help maintain brain function.

“Prolonged exposure to occupational hazards is associated with chronic stress, sleep disruptions, and sensory impairments, all of which can impact cognitive function in the long term,” said Dr. Cao. Despite extensive research on occupational health in epidemiology and public health, few longitudinal studies have explored how occupational exposures mediate the link between education and cognitive health among older adults.

Implications for Dementia Prevention

Behavioral and environmental factors may influence up to 40% of dementia cases in the U.S. and globally (Livingston et al, 2020). While education remains the strongest non-genetic predictor of cognitive health and Alzheimer’s risk, the study found that hazardous work environments can weaken the benefits of education.

“These findings highlight the importance of occupation-based interventions in midlife to prevent cognitive decline,” Dr. Cao explained. She emphasized the need for future research on occupational safety interventions, such as improved access to and utilization of personal protective equipment.

The study underscores the importance of examining work-related exposures over a lifetime, including job transitions and early retirement due to disabilities. Future research should also consider how non-work lifestyle factors (e.g., social engagement, leisure-time physical activity) interact with education and occupational environments to influence cognitive health later in life