New BMJ report suggests reduced Alzheimer’s risk for taxi drivers compared to other professions
Taxi drivers and ambulance drivers might have a unique edge in protecting against Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published in The BMJ. Research suggests that frequent spatial and navigational tasks in their jobs may contribute to lower Alzheimer’s-related mortality compared to other professions.
The hippocampus, a brain region central to spatial memory and navigation, is known to be larger in London taxi drivers than in the general population. This same region is also significantly affected in Alzheimer’s disease. The study raises the possibility that professions demanding regular spatial processing could offer some form of protection against the condition.
US researchers analysed data from nearly nine million death certificates recorded between January 2020 and December 2022. They examined cause of death, usual occupation, and various demographic factors. Alzheimer’s disease was listed as a cause of death for 3.9% of cases. However, only 1.03% of taxi drivers and 0.74% of ambulance drivers died from Alzheimer’s, compared to 1.69% in the general population.
These figures remained consistent after adjusting for age and sociodemographic factors. Other transport roles, such as bus drivers and pilots, did not show the same trend, possibly due to their reliance on fixed routes. This suggests a potential link between spatial memory demands and neurological resilience in taxi and ambulance drivers.
However, the study is observational and cannot establish a direct causal relationship. Researchers also acknowledge potential limitations, such as the possibility that individuals prone to Alzheimer’s may avoid or leave these demanding roles before symptoms emerge. Despite this, they argue that such a scenario is unlikely given that Alzheimer’s symptoms typically manifest after retirement age.
The study’s authors caution against drawing definitive conclusions but view the findings as a basis for further investigation. They emphasise the need for additional research to determine whether spatially demanding work could influence Alzheimer’s risk and whether such cognitive activities could have preventive benefits.
For now, the findings provide an intriguing avenue for exploring how occupational tasks might shape long-term brain health.
