There are many obvious benefits to having a steady job. Income, security and purpose are just a few. Now, there’s another interesting benefit related to preventing memory loss, specifically in women.
Previous research already tells us that keeping our minds stimulated and having a strong social support system are two protective factors against Alzheimer’s and related dementias. A study led by Elizabeth Rose Mayeda at UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health found that the benefits of paid work-financial security, social networking and connection and mental engagement, to name a few-may help limit a decline in women as they age.
An interesting insight from Dr. Mayeda opened a dialogue about dementia care. “Policies that promote equal pay for equal work, paid family leave and affordable child care” could one day be part of the conversation about women’s dementia in old age, states CNN Health.
The research project studied over 6,000 women born between 1935 and 1956 and also collected their employement and family histories through age 50. These women were asked to complete regular screenings for cognitive. Researchers found that a decline in memory and cognitive were sharpest in women who did not work.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/16/health/women-jobs-memory-loss-study-trnd/index.html?utm_source=CNN+Health&utm_campaign=ca8c9101c3-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_07_22_10_15&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ddc799ed25-ca8c9101c3-100181693
