Which careers scientists say will protect your memory later in life

TORONTO – Your days crunching numbers, problem-solving or applying laser focus to your job may pay off in the long run. A new study suggests that people whose careers require complex thinking end up with longer-lasting memory later in life.

Examples of complex work that could boost your brainpower in old age include working with data, such as architects or graphic designers, and even working with people, such as lawyers and social workers, according to Scottish researchers.

“These results suggest that more stimulating work environments may help people retain their thinking skills, and that this might be observed years after they have retired,” sadi lead author, Dr. Alan Gow. “Our findings have helped to identify the kinds of job demands that preserve memory and thinking later on,” he said.

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Gow and his colleagues at the Heriot-Watt University and Edinburgh’s Center for Cognitive Aging and Cognitive Epidemiology worked with 1,066 Scottish residents. They were 70 years old, on average, when they were tested for memory, processing speed and thinking abilities.

Each participant’s job title was also recorded and assigned a score based on complexity of work with people, data and things. A “complex” job would include coordinating or synthesizing data, while less complicated work might involve copying data. If the jobs had social aspects, complex roles would include mentoring or negotiating, while less complex tasks would include instructing or helping.

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It turns out, study participants that held complex jobs focused on data or people – such as management – had better scores on memory and thinking tests. But the effect was small, accounting for about one to two per cent of variance between high- and low-complexity jobs.

Complex jobs included surgeon, civil engineer, musician or architect while construction worker, telephone operator or food server ranked lower in terms of using brain power.

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The researchers aren’t sure if it’s a “stimulating environment” that may build up memory and thinking skills. They suggest that perhaps brain-taxing work could act as a buffer for the brain to function in spite of damage, or that it’s taking on a new challenge.

The study was published Wednesday night in the journal Neurology.

carmen.chai@globalnews.ca
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