A recent study reveals that some professions, such as taxi and ambulance driving, are linked to a reduced risk of dying from Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is a progressive brain disorder that gradually erodes memory, cognitive skills, and the ability to perform daily tasks. While the exact causes remain unclear, it is characterized by brain cell damage that worsens over time, leading to confusion, impaired speech, and difficulty recognizing loved ones.
In a groundbreaking study published in the BMJ, researchers from Mass General Brigham examined data from nearly 9 million deaths across 443 professions in the United States between 2020 and 2022. Of these, Alzheimer’s disease accounted for 3.88% of deaths—or about 348,000 cases.
However, striking differences emerged when analyzing the impact of certain jobs. Taxi drivers had an Alzheimer’s-related death rate of just 1.03%, and for ambulance drivers, the figure was even lower at 0.74%. These rates starkly contrast with bus drivers (3.11%) and pilots (4.57%), whose roles involve less spontaneous navigation.
Why Spatial Skills May Matter
The researchers suggest that jobs requiring active navigation and spatial problem-solving might stimulate the brain’s hippocampus—a region crucial for memory and one of the first affected in Alzheimer’s disease. Regularly engaging these cognitive skills may provide a protective effect against the condition.
“Our findings raise the possibility that regularly using spatial and navigational skills in certain jobs might help reduce Alzheimer’s risk,” said Dr. Vishal Patel, the study’s lead author.
However, the study is observational, meaning it does not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Researchers also acknowledged that individuals predisposed to Alzheimer’s may be less likely to pursue or remain in cognitively demanding professions.
Implications for Brain Health
Despite its limitations, the study underscores the potential benefits of maintaining mental activity to support brain health. “While more research is needed, these results encourage us to explore whether certain cognitive activities can help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Anupam B. Jena, senior author of the study.
The findings contribute to a growing body of evidence suggesting that staying mentally active throughout life may play a critical role in reducing the risk of memory-related diseases.