who work in a professional role are more likely to stay mentally sharp in old age

            Those who work in a professional role are more likely to stay mentally sharp in old age, a new study has found. It is the complexity of a job, and the challenging environment in which a person works, that helps improve memory skills and ability.

             Scientists at Edinburgh University found those whose jobs involve teaching or management skills scored better in memory and thinking tests, when they reached 70 years old.  Experts said a more stimulating environment may act to protect the brain from ageing.

              Psychologists at Edinburgh University tested 1,066 people for memory, mental processing speed and general thinking ability.

             They judged the complexity of each participant's main jobs according to the Dictionary of Occupational Titles - a guide used by employment services to define the structure and content of occupations.

               Using statistical models they analysed how a person's occupation impacted on the test results.

              They took into account the results of intelligence tests taken by study participants when they were 11 years old and lifestyle factors, such as education and the deprivation of their background compared to others.

             Such factors are important because they predict the kinds of jobs people are able to attain, the researchers said.