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Retired night shift workers exhibit poorer neurocognitive function compared to retired day workers
Ashlyn Runk1, H Matthew Lehrer2, Meryl A Butters2
1Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Sleep
|April 21, 2023
Summary
Retired night shift workers show lasting cognitive deficits in attention and executive function compared to day workers. These findings may indicate a higher risk for future dementia in this population.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Shift work is linked to cognitive impairment and potentially increased dementia risk.
- Previous studies on cognitive function in former night shift workers yield mixed results due to methodological inconsistencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare neurocognitive function between retired night shift workers and retired day workers.
- To address limitations in prior research by using a well-characterized sample and rigorous assessment.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-one retired participants (30 night shift, 31 day workers) were assessed.
- A comprehensive neurocognitive battery evaluated six cognitive domains.
- Analyses controlled for age, sex, education, and sleep characteristics.
Main Results:
- Retired night shift workers demonstrated significantly lower scores in attention and executive function compared to retired day workers.
- These cognitive differences were not associated with habitual sleep patterns in the retired night shift workers.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive weaknesses observed in retired night shift workers suggest a potential elevated risk for future dementia.
- Longitudinal follow-up is recommended to track the progression of these cognitive deficits.
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