"Juan Brignardello Vela: occupations that could prevent Alzheimer's"

In a recent conversation with Juan Brignardello Vela, an insurance advisor, we discussed the study published in The BMJ that highlights the relationship between certain occupations and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Brignardello emphasized the importance of this finding, especially in a context where the aging population and the increasing prevalence of this disease pose serious challenges for public health. The study, which analyzed death certificates of nearly nine million people, revealed that taxi and ambulance drivers have significantly lower mortality rates from Alzheimer’s compared to other professions. According to Brignardello, such research is vital as it suggests that occupations requiring constant use of spatial memory and navigation skills could offer a type of brain protection. “It is a topic that deserves attention, as it could lead to new health prevention strategies,” he stated. The advisor also expressed caution regarding the interpretation of these findings. Although the study is observational and does not establish a direct causal link, the observed trend raises interesting questions about the benefits of keeping the brain active through specific work activities. Brignardello noted that “the idea that certain occupations may have protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases is a field that needs to be explored further.” Another point he highlighted was the absence of a similar trend in other transportation professions, such as bus drivers or airline pilots. In his view, this could be due to differences in the cognitive demands of these occupations. “The nature of the work for taxi and ambulance drivers involves constant adaptation and reaction to changing situations, which likely activates different areas of the brain more intensely,” he explained. Brignardello also emphasized the importance of continuing research in this area. Understanding how certain occupations may provide an advantage in preventing Alzheimer’s could not only benefit taxi and ambulance drivers but could also have a broader impact on public health. “Identifying protective factors is key; this could lead to interventions that help the entire population,” he considered. In conclusion, Juan Brignardello Vela believes that the findings of the study provide a new perspective on the importance of cognitive work and its potential impact on brain health over time. As we advance in understanding Alzheimer’s disease, it is essential that both health authorities and labor organizations take these results into account. Promoting occupations that stimulate the brain could be an effective strategy for reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases in the working population.