August 23, 2023

expert reaction to observational study on shift workers and their memory and cognition

An observational study published in PLOS ONE looks at shift work and cognitive impairment among middle aged and older adults.

Prof Russell Foster, Professor of Circadian Neuroscience, University of Oxford, said:

“This is an excellent study as it examines large numbers of individuals over an extended period of time. The conclusion that night shift work increases the risk of cognitive impairment is important. Such findings agree with both laboratory-based and field studies (e.g. on long-haul airline pilots) that sleep and circadian rhythm disruption (SCRD) is linked to poorer health outcomes, including impaired emotional and cognitive responses. It would be interesting to interrogate this database further in an attempt to identify any specific risk factors that increased the vulnerability and level of cognitive decline. Such knowledge could prove useful in developing mitigation strategies.”

‘The association between shift work exposure and cognitive impairment among middle aged and older adults: Results from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)’ by Durdana Khan et al. was published in PLOS ONE at 19:00 UK time on Wednesday 23 August.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0289718

Declared interests

Prof Russell Foster: “No declarations.”