Working consistently in an occupation with medium or high occupational physical activity was linked to an increased risk of cognitive impairment, according to a new study by the Norwegian National Centre of Ageing and Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health,and the Butler Columbia Aging Center.
Working consistently in an occupation with medium or high occupational physical activity was linked to an increased risk of cognitive impairment, according to a new study by the Norwegian National Centre of Ageing and Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health,and the Butler Columbia Aging Center. The results show the importance of developing strategies for individuals in physically demanding occupations to prevent cognitive impairment. The findings are published in The Lancet Regional Health-Europe.
“It is critically important to understand how workplace physical activity levels relate to cognitive impairment and dementia,” observed Vegard Skirbekk, PhD, professor of Population and Family Health at Columbia Public Health. “Our work also highlights what is called the physical activity (PA) paradox—the association of leisure time physical activity with better cognitive outcomes, and how work-related physical activity can lead to worse cognitive outcomes.”
Until now prior studies on occupational physical activity and dementia had been limited. Earlier studies have typically assessed occupation at a single time-point in the individual's career—often close to retirement—and have mainly been self-reported.
Read more at Columbia University
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