A new study published in the British Medical Journal has found that taxi and ambulance drivers are at a lower risk of dying from Alzheimer’s disease compared to other occupations. The research, conducted by Mass General Brigham, suggests that jobs requiring real-time spatial and navigational processing may be associated with reduced mortality rates.
According to the study, taxi and ambulance drivers have significantly lower death rates from Alzheimer’s disease, with 1.03% and 0.74%, respectively. In contrast, bus drivers (3.11%) and pilots (4.57%) did not show a significant difference in mortality rates.
Researchers believe that real-time spatial processing is a key factor in these decreased death rates, as taxi and ambulance drivers must frequently determine new routes on the job. The study, which examined causes of death for almost nine million people over a three-year period, highlights the importance of considering how occupations may affect the risk of Alzheimer’s disease mortality.
The findings are not conclusive, but rather provide a hypothesis-generating insight into potential preventive measures. The researchers emphasize that being a taxi or ambulance driver does not automatically protect against developing Alzheimer’s disease, but frequent behaviors within these professions may offer clues about preventing the illness.
Source: https://people.com/alzheimers-related-deaths-taxi-ambulance-drivers-8763041