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Shift work is significantly and positively associated with dementia: A meta-analysis study
Kuo-Wei Lee1,2,3, Chen-Cheng Yang3,4,5,6, Chun-Hung Chen1,2
1Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Frontiers in Public Health
|March 6, 2023
Summary
Shift work, especially long-term night shifts, is modestly linked to an increased risk of dementia. Avoiding prolonged night work may help reduce dementia risk.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Shift work disrupts circadian rhythms, potentially impacting physical and mental health.
- Dementia, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is a growing public health concern.
- Research on the link between shift work and dementia risk is limited.
Conclusions:
- Shift work and prolonged night shifts are associated with a moderately elevated risk of developing dementia.
- Reducing long-term night shift work may be a potential strategy for dementia risk mitigation.
- Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore underlying mechanisms.
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