Occupational Hazards and Dementia Risk in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Tom Sarah, Bratsberg Bernt, Engdahl Bo, Stern Yaakov, Kohler Hans-Peter, Håberg Asta, Strand Bjørn Heine, Skirbekk Vegard
Primary Institution: Columbia University
Hypothesis
Greater life course occupational physical hazards would be associated with higher mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia risk.
Conclusion
Those exposed to occupational physical hazards may need greater support with later life MCI and dementia risk.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants with higher occupational physical hazards had a median score of 1.82.
- One standard deviation increase in occupational hazards was associated with a 1.32 times higher risk of worse cognitive level.
- Adjusting for education and marital status reduced the association strength.
Takeaway
If people have jobs with dangerous physical conditions, they might have a higher chance of having memory problems or dementia when they get older.
Methodology
Data were collected from the Trøndelag Health Study, with cognitive assessments and occupational hazard scores analyzed using ordered logistic regression models.
Limitations
The association between occupational hazards and cognitive outcomes may be influenced by other factors such as education and marital status.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 70 and older, with a mean age of 78; 35% had MCI and 15% had dementia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
1.32
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.26-1.36
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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