Health · Medical Research · 2 hrs ago
Part-time work linked to lower dementia risk in older adults
Researchers at Washington University in St Louis tracked nearly 14,000 people to examine whether working part-time later in life was linked to dementia risk.
Those who worked part-time into their mid-seventies had a 38% lower risk than people who retired fully or continued working full-time after retirement age.
The study does not show that part-time work itself caused the lower risk.
The researchers said part-time work may keep people socially connected and mentally engaged, while leaving more time for rest and leisure.
Dementia affects nearly one million people in the UK, and that number is projected to reach 1.4 million by 2040.
The findings were published on medRxiv, an online medical journal, and no next steps were reported.
A study of nearly 14,000 people found that those who worked part-time until their mid-seventies had a 38 per cent lower risk of dementia.
The comparison was with people who stayed in full-time work after retirement age or stopped working in their 50s or 60s.
Researchers said part-time work may support cognitive stimulation, social interaction and daily structure.
They also said it may allow more time for rest, leisure and other health-promoting activities.
The research was reported in the online medical journal medRxiv.
- Who
- Researchers from Washington University in St Louis tracked nearly 14,000 people.
- What
- The study found a 38 per cent lower dementia risk among people who worked part-time until their mid-seventies.
- When
- The article was published on 1 November 2026. The study period is not stated.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Researchers said part-time work may maintain cognitive stimulation, social interaction and daily structure, while allowing more time for rest and leisure.
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- Participants
- Nearly 14,000 people
- Dementia risk
- 38 per cent lower for people working part-time until their mid-seventies
- Comparison groups
- People in full-time work after retirement age, or those who stopped work in their 50s or 60s
- Research outlet
- medRxiv
- Publication date
- 1 November 2026
What people are saying
Compared with full retirement, part-time work may help maintain cognitive stimulation, social interaction and daily structure.
And compared with full-time work, it may provide greater time for rest, leisure, and other health-promoting activities.