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Published on: June 25, 2019
Occupational differences between Alzheimer's and aphasic dementias: implication for teachers
Keith A Josephs1, Sarah M Papenfuss, Joseph R Duffy
1Department of Neurology (Behavioral Neurology), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. Josephs.keith@mayo.edu
Summary
Teachers may be more susceptible to developing progressive speech and language disorders (SLDs). This study found a significant association between teaching and SLDs, suggesting communication-intensive jobs might increase sensitivity to these impairments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Speech and Language Pathology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Progressive speech and language disorders (SLDs) are debilitating conditions with multifactorial causes.
- The role of occupation in the development or manifestation of neurological disorders is an area of ongoing research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a potential association between the occupation of teaching and the incidence of progressive speech and language disorders (SLDs).
Main Methods:
- A comparative occupational analysis was conducted.
- The study compared the occupations of 100 patients with progressive SLDs against 404 patients with Alzheimer's dementia and the 2008 US census data.
- Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess occupational frequencies.
Main Results:
- The occupation of 'teacher' was significantly more common in patients with progressive SLDs (22%) compared to those with Alzheimer's dementia (8%), with an OR of 3.4 (95% CI = 1.87-6.17).
- The frequency of teachers was substantially higher in the SLD group when compared to the general US population (OR = 6.9, 95% CI = 4.3-11.1).
- No significant differences were found for other occupations between the SLD and Alzheimer's dementia groups.
Conclusions:
- A notable association exists between progressive speech and language disorders (SLDs) and the teaching profession.
- The communication-intensive nature of teaching may heighten sensitivity to the early signs of speech and language impairments.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying this association and its implications for occupational health in educators.
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