Working Women Are At Reduced Risk Of Memory Decline Later In Life

New US research published today (Wednesday 4 November) in Neurology suggests women at work are at a reduced risk of worsening memory.

Dr Rosa Sancho, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

“An estimated 850,000 people in the UK have dementia and 500,000 of them are women. This research adds to the idea that aspects of our lifestyle may help to build cognitive reserve, a type of resilience that allows people to function for longer before showing dementia symptoms. The study suggests that working during early adulthood and midlife may provide benefits to the long-term health of an individual, however this type of study cannot determine cause and effect. Continued research is vital to understand the causes of memory loss that can have such a devasting impact on people’s lives, which is why it’s important that government delivers on its promise to double funding for dementia research.

“There is no sure-fire way to prevent dementia, but our brains don’t operate in isolation from the rest of our bodies. The best current evidence indicates staying both physically and mentally active, not smoking, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, only drinking within recommended guidelines, and eating a balanced diet, are all linked to better brain health as we age.”