Worker functions and traits associated with occupations and the development of Alzheimer's disease

'This interesting research from Dr Smyth and the research group at Case Western University in Cleveland (US) highlights a possible link between a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and people who have increased mental demands in their occupational roles in early and mid adult life.

Some caution should be used in interpreting studies comparing people who develop Alzheimer's disease with those who do not, as any biases in the matching of groups can strongly influence the results. In addition, people with more mentally demanding jobs may have other differences in their lifestyles or medical care, which may explain the apparent differences.

Despite these caveats, this is the most rigorous study of its' type and lends further support to the theory that keeping your brain active may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.'

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of research