Does Shiftwork Impact Cognitive Performance? Findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA).
Rea Alonzo1, Kelly K Anderson1,2,3, Rebecca Rodrigues1
1Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada.
Summary
Shiftwork negatively impacts executive functioning but not declarative memory. Psychological distress did not moderate this relationship in a large Canadian study.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Limited research exists on shiftwork's cognitive effects and psychological distress's role.
- Understanding these relationships is crucial for aging populations and workforce health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between shiftwork and cognitive performance (declarative memory, executive functioning).
- To examine the moderating effect of psychological distress on this relationship.
- To explore differences by sex and retirement status.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 20,610 adults from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA).
- Assessed cognitive performance in declarative memory and executive functioning.
- Examined shiftwork status, psychological distress, sex, and retirement status.
Main Results:
- Shiftwork was linked to poorer executive functioning (interference, MAT) but not declarative memory.
- Completely and partly retired males exhibited diminished executive functioning.
- No significant moderating effect of psychological distress was identified.
Conclusions:
- Shiftwork is associated with cognitive deficits, specifically in executive functioning.
- Psychological distress does not appear to alter the impact of shiftwork on cognition.
- Findings underscore the health implications of shiftwork for cognitive health in aging adults.
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