Mothers not working raises risk of dementia

[user87382294757]

In the news today- AIBU that it maybe depends what you do otherwise? Like if you study, exercise as these are all linked with lower rates of dementia. Any thoughts?

www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/women-who-work-for-a-salary-see-slower-memory-decline-in-old-age-reducing-their-risk-of-dementia-a-new-study-suggests/2019/07/15/c1819880-a72a-11e9-9214-246e594de5d5_story.html?utm_term=.df090af657bc

Is it the fact that you get paid that protects you?! Strange conclusion to draw.

There are lots of factors that can cause dementia.

I think social isolation increases the chances of dementia. Therefore, if you are a SAHM and don't get out much, it could have an impact (but it would have to go on beyond the children reaching adulthood, surely). But not just the fact that you aren't in paid work.

However, I am firmly of the opinion that air pollution is a major factor in causing dementia and that is the thing that needs to be addressed (and for so many other medical conditions too).

Should be the mental stimulation and social interaction.

Correlation is not causation.

I notice it says from 16 to 50...and there is a link between education (years of) - more is protective. So it could be linked to that also. Not sure.

Among married mothers who worked, the rate of memory loss did not vary according to whether participants worked continuously, took a few years off to raise their children or took many years off to raise their children, Mayeda said. What was important, she said, was that they worked for a wage at some point.

So from the study, it generally didn't show a variation in wether women took many years off from paid work to those who worked continuously.

So, as long as you are married and have worked for a wage at some point in your life, your risk is reduced ???.?.

What about anyone who is out of the workplace for a while? Or is it just mothers?

Yes- sorry that is right is all women mothers or not.

Women who engaged in paid employment between ages 16 and 50, whether mothers or non-mothers, had better memories in late life than women who did not work, the study found. The rate of memory deterioration was fastest among women who never earned a wage

@Sandybval It seemed to suggest being a mother was irrelevant, so as long as you have been in paid employment better 16 and 50 ???

I have read quite a bit on this subject as have a genetic risk myself- there is quite a lot about cognitive reserve and years of education. Maybe it is similar in that working at some point increases this. Or study / education.

I would have loved to have read the study, but im not paying to read it.

There are no social factors contributing to dementia
It strikes anyone
Even the fittest, strongest, most active, healthiest

I think this is absolutely rediculous. I know of quite a few people who have had or have dementia and they have all been career people. a school teacher, a police man, an actress, i know these people personally.

there are actually quite a few lifestyle factors linked in with genetics. have a look here,

www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/dementia-prevention/

what a load of bollocks.
Sure if you don't socialise with others, or keep your brain active, or exercise, but who does this, working or not.

My mother gave up work at the age of 24 when she got married. She didn't do a days work outside of the home from then on - she died at the age of 87 and she did not have dementia. She was not a physically active person either. I'm very much hoping genetics is involved here.

Also- there was a Nuns study and they seemed to be protected due to stress free lifestyle...

I read the article about this in the Guardian it's more a correlation than a suggested cause at the moment. No definite conclusions.

In a way I would like to believe it as I have always worked but my mother was mostly a SAHM and had dementia.

My dad is a retired GP and he has dementia.

@vodkaredbullgirl you don't have to pay to read it, just select the black box option that says read for free. 😄😄😄

If someone sits in a room by themselves, eats crap, no exercise, smoking and drinking they are no more at risk from developing dementia than a healthy, active, outgoing, brain stimulating person

It hits anyone

It’s interesting that 2/3 of people with dementia are women, but honestly, I’d put that down to men not wanting to go to the doctors and get the diagnosis

There are lots of studies showing links between healthy lifestyle, so that maybe more important I reckon. Even with a higher genetic risk exercise etc brought it down.

Women live longer, more men die of cardiovascular perhaps so avoid it