Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2025
08:36
Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments
Published on: August 8, 2019
12.1K
Relationship between shift work, night work, and subsequent dementia: A systematic evaluation and meta-analysis.
Zhen-Zhi Wang1, Zhen Sun2, Mei-Ling Zhang1
1The First Clinical Medical College of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China.
Frontiers in Neurology
|November 24, 2022
Summary
Night shift work may increase dementia risk by 12%. Shift work
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Conflicting literature exists regarding shift work, night work, and dementia risk.
- This meta-analysis aimed to clarify the relationship between these factors.
Approach:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to January 2022.
- Meta-analysis of four studies involving 103,104 participants, adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Statistical analysis performed using STATA 16.0.
Key Points:
- Night shift work was associated with a 12% increased risk of dementia.
- General shift work did not show a significant association with dementia risk.
- The dementia risk associated with shift work increased with age, particularly for those over 50.
Conclusions:
- Night work may be a risk factor for dementia.
- Further prospective studies with objective exposure measurements are needed to confirm these findings.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
194
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
194
01:30Dementia
153
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
153
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
207
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
207
01:15Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response
105
Circadian rhythms are cyclic changes that are crucial in plasma drug concentrations. Various standard circadian parameters, including core body temperature, heart rate, and other cardiovascular factors, directly impact disease states and the therapeutic response to drug therapy.
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
105
01:18Nightmares and Night Terrors
148
Nightmares and night terrors represent two distinct types of sleep disturbances that differ in timing, characteristics, and the sleeper's recall of the event. Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually awaken the sleeper from REM sleep, a stage of sleep where brain activity is high, and dreams are most frequent. Upon awakening, individuals often have detailed recollections of their nightmares, which can include themes of threats to survival, security, or self-esteem.
Nightmares...
Nightmares...
148
02:19Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
4.1K
The biological clock is involved in many aspects of regulating complex physiology in all animals. It was in 1935 when German zoologists, Hans Kalmus and Erwin Bünning, discovered the existence of circadian rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the internal molecular mechanisms behind the circadian clock remained a mystery until 1984, when Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young discovered the expression of the Per gene oscillating over a 24-hour cycle. In subsequent...
4.1K