Physically Demanding Jobs Linked to Memory Problems, Dementia Later in Life

A study in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience suggests physically taxing occupations may be harming the brain, as people with high levels of physical stress at work do worse on memory tests later in life, reports StudyFinds . The researchers analyzed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans of 99 adults 60 to 79 years old, who said their most recent jobs involve high physical stress, including activities like reaching and lifting boxes onto shelves. These participants were found to have smaller volumes in the hippocampus, the brain region that the helps form short-term and long-term memories, as well as with the sense of direction. Hippocampal degradation is typically accompanied by impaired memory and a higher risk of dementia. "This is the first evidence that occupational stress can accelerate brain and cognitive aging," said Colorado State University Professor Aga Burzynska. She added that this damage may originate from the busy American work week, as the time people actually have to relax their brains is fairly constrained. "An average American worker spends more than eight hours at work per weekday, and most people remain in the workforce for over 40 years," Burzynska explained. Conversely, more energy devoted to leisure was found to increase hippocampal volume.