Can your career choice also protect your brain in old age?
Monday, May 20, 2024. This is for MH and Nu…
As a couples therapist, I have some unusual additional training. I also have a M.S. in Labor Studies.
Consequently, I often explore how different aspects of our lives affect our relationships and overall well-being, such as work and career choices.
I also tend to explore the symbiosis between career and home.
One fascinating area is the long-term impact of a brain-stimulating career on cognitive health.
Recent research suggests that your job could significantly determine your brain's fate as you age. Let's explore how a career that challenges your mind might help you stay sharp well into your golden years…
Brain-Stimulating Careers and Cognitive Health
A recent study compiled by the magnificent Dr. Jeremy Dean in the UK found that people whose jobs stimulate their brains the most are 66% less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in old age compared to those with the least job-related mental stimulation. This compelling finding emphasizes the importance of choosing a career that engages your mind.
Teachers, for instance, were found to have some of the highest levels of cognitive demands and, consequently, the lowest levels of cognitive impairment with aging. On the flip side, jobs like mail carriers and custodians, which typically involve lower cognitive demands, were associated with a higher chance of memory and thinking problems later in life. The couples therapists serving this population will take note and develop appropriate interventions. Such as card decks and suggesting interactive games such as Scrabble, Wordle, etc.
In other words, an understanding of the impact of sh*tty jobs is part of the job.
The Study's Findings
Dr. Trine Holt Edwin, the study’s lead author, highlighted the importance of cognitive stimulation at work throughout different stages of life—during your 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. The study, conducted in Norway, included around 7,000 participants in over 300 different jobs, examining the mental stimulation each experienced at work.
The results were freaking amazing!: among those with the least mental stimulation at work, 42% were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. In contrast, only 27% of those with the most cognitively demanding jobs faced the same diagnosis.
Building Cognitive Reserves
One explanation for these findings is the concept of cognitive reserves.
Stimulating the brain over a lifetime builds up these reserves, much like saving money to fall back on during tough times. When the brain starts to slow with age, having greater cognitive reserves provides a buffer, allowing it to function at a higher level despite the natural aging process.
Dr. Edwin noted that these results indicate the crucial role of both education and engaging in work that challenges the brain. This combination can significantly lower the risk of cognitive impairment later in life. In other words, therapists should think more developmentally about their clients.
The Role of Career in Cognitive Health
The idea of cognitive reserves can be likened to a bank account. Throughout your life, engaging in intellectually demanding activities—whether through formal education, challenging work tasks, or intentional continuous learning—deposits "cognitive currency" into this account.
As you age, these reserves help maintain your brain's health and function, acting as a safeguard against cognitive decline.
The benefits of a stimulating career extend beyond just protecting against cognitive impairment. They can also enhance problem-solving skills, adaptability, and overall mental agility. A lively life-of-the-mind conveys not only value in a professional setting but is also crucial for maintaining healthy, dynamic relationships.
Implications for Your Career and Relationship
As a neuroscience-based couples therapist, I see the interconnections between career choices and personal relationships.
A stimulating career benefits personal cognitive health and can positively impact your relationship.
Engaging in intellectually demanding work can lead to a more satisfying and fulfilling life, which in turn can enhance the quality of your interactions with your partner.
When both partners are engaged in stimulating careers, they bring a wealth of experiences and perspectives to the relationship, fostering deeper connections and mutual growth. However, balancing work demands with quality time together is essential to ensure the relationship thrives.
Practical Steps to Enhance Cognitive Stimulation
Even if your current job isn't highly stimulating, there are ways to boost your cognitive health:
Lifelong Learning: Enroll in courses or workshops related to your field or personal interests. Continuous learning keeps your brain engaged and adaptable.
Hobbies and Activities: Pursue hobbies that challenge your mind, such as puzzles, reading, or learning a new language.
Social Engagement: Interact with people who stimulate your thinking. Engaging conversations and social activities can provide significant mental stimulation.
Physical Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to support cognitive health, enhancing blood flow to the brain and promoting overall well-being.
Final thoughts
Choosing a brain-stimulating career could be one of the best decisions people can make for long-term cognitive health. A good couples therapist will hopefully discuss this with you in more depth. If you’ve read this far, drop me a line.
By challenging your mind throughout your career, you build cognitive reserves that can protect against age-related cognitive decline.
As we continue to understand more about the connections between career choices, brain health, and personal relationships, it's clear that a fulfilling, intellectually engaging job offers benefits that extend far beyond the workplace.
Investing in a career that challenges your mind is not just about professional success; it's about safeguarding your future cognitive health and enriching your personal life.
So, as you ponder your career path (at any age) or consider new opportunities, remember the profound impact that a stimulating job can have on your brain and life-partner relationship.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
RESEARCH:
Cognitive Stimulation for Long-Term Cognitive Health
Mika Kivimaki, FMedSci SUPPORT:(1) Academic - MRC (S011676): PI of the grant to my university (2) Foundation - Wellcome Trust (221854/Z/20/Z): PI of the grant to my university. No Financial disclosures.
