Relationship between occupation and cognitive performance in patients with cognitive impairment. Preliminary study

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Abstract Background Previous studies showed the protective effect of cognitive reserve for the development of cognitive impairment and dementia symptoms. Some factors have been postulated that may influence cognitive reserve, including education, participation in cognitively stimulating activities, and occupation. It has been observed that certain occupations have better cognitive performance and different professions may generate better functioning in certain cognitive domains than others. The aim of this study is to assess whether there is greater strength in certain cognitive domains related to the occupations of patients with subjective memory complaints or mild cognitive impairment diagnosis. Method Retrospective observational study with patients under follow‐up in a memory clinic in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Patients with >17 education years, > 50 years with a diagnosis of subjective memory complaint and/or mild cognitive impairment of any origin were included. Subjects with dementia were excluded. The occupations were classified according to the ISCO‐88 (2008 International Labor Organization) utilizing professionals’ subcategory. A complete cognitive evaluation was performed in all the patients, including memory, attention, language, executive functions, and visuospatial domains. For the statistical analysis, the z scores of the results of the different cognitive tests were used and parametric student`s‐t tests were performed using the Graphpad software, Result A total of 57 patients from our center were included to date. The mean age was 71 (55‐85), years of education 19 (17‐25) and a total of 35 (61%) women. The mean of Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE) was 91.3 (82‐99). The predominant occupation was in the health category with a total of 24 (42%) patients. No statistically significant differences were obtained in the values of the different cognitive tests of each occupational category and the value of the total population. Conclusion The study has not shown significant differences between specific cognitive variables and occupation in patients with cognitive impairment. However, a larger number of subjects would be needed to support this statement. It is important to note that extra‐work activities of patients that can also influence their cognitive performance have not been taken into account.

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