Active working life can fight off dementia, says study

Healthcare News
09/09/2005
A new study has revealed that having a stimulating job in early life can help prevent dementia later.

An active job can delay the onset of dementia later on in life, says a study by the University of South Florida.

Research by the university's School of Ageing Studies has shown that a relationship exists between the type of job you do and your vulnerability to dementia and Alzheimer's.

University researcher, Ross Andel said: "Occupations with high mental demands may provide a form of 'mental exercise' that support brain function in older adulthood."

The 40-year study involved following sets of Swedish twins and assessing how their main occupations impacted their mental health later on in life.

The university said that more research is needed to understand why stimulating work appears to protect against the onset of dementia.

Dementia in Britain is steadily increasing. Figures from the Alzheimer's Society show that there are 750,000 dementia-sufferers in the UK, 18,000 of who are under 65-years old.

Alzheimer's constitutes for over half of people with the disease.