Taxi drivers may have lower Alzheimer's death rates

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal suggests that certain jobs, like taxi and ambulance driving, may help guard against Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers from Harvard University analyzed data on millions of Americans and compared around 400 occupations. They found that taxi and ambulance drivers were among the least likely to die from Alzheimer’s. The study proposes that the ability to navigate and process spatial information could be beneficial for brain health. Unlike taxi drivers, bus drivers typically take the same routes, which might offer less cognitive challenge. The researchers noted that tasks requiring frequent navigation could help protect against Alzheimer's disease. Dementia is a major health issue, particularly in the UK, where it was the leading cause of death from 2012 to 2021. In 2023, around 75,000 people in the UK died from dementia. As people live longer due to advances in treating other diseases, the risk of developing dementia increases. Previous studies support the idea that navigation is important for brain health. For instance, training to be a London cab driver involves a difficult test known as "the Knowledge," which has been shown to change the brain’s structure. A study from UCL found that preparing for this test enlarged the hippocampus, an area crucial for navigation and memory. Hugo Spiers, a cognitive neuroscience professor at UCL, explains that spatial skills often decline early in Alzheimer’s development. Strengthening navigation abilities may provide a cognitive reserve that helps protect against dementia. The relationship between education and cognitive health also suggests that mentally engaging jobs are beneficial. However, the Harvard study has some limitations. While taxi and ambulance drivers showed lower Alzheimer’s rates, they also tended to die younger, which complicates the findings. Researchers adjusted for age but recognize that many of the drivers analyzed were likely not using GPS, which could change the outcome in today's context. To enhance your navigation skills, experts recommend spending time outdoors without relying on GPS. Walking or running in nature can also improve brain health, and social interactions further support cognitive function. Engaging with nature and getting a bit lost might be a fun way to boost brain health.