The infamous mid-life crisis has been in the news again, with a twist, thanks to research recently published by Dr Anja Leist of the University of Luxembourg. Experiencing an economic crisis in mid-life could lead to diminished cognitive function later, and the more crises endured the greater the risk of decline.

Anja’s research was published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health and found that, ”... unanticipated macroeconomic shocks during vulnerable periods in mid-life may affect a person’s ability to accumulate cognitive reserve...”. This can result from lay-offs, enforced part-time work, salary cuts or the need to accept a lower-status job for a time.

Dr Anja Leist and her associates analysed data from 12,000 people across 11 European countries who took part in the representative "Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe" between 2005 and 2007, which examined the social, economic and health status of people over fifty years old. They then looked at the potential impact of recessions experienced in the following age groups: 25-34, 35-44, and 44-49 and the subsequent cognitive ability at ages 50-74.

Men who had experienced four or more recessions had a reduced cognitive score in comparison with men of the same age who had not experienced recession. As for women the cognitive decline was more exaggerated and occurred earlier.

The research goes on to suggest policy changes that could ease this situation going forward.
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Anja’s research findings were also picked up by the following news websites. Please click and read on to learn more:

• Recessions linked to reduced cognitive function, new study finds
• Recessions linked to cognitive decline in later life
• Recessions During Mid-Life Linked to Risk of Cognitive Decline
• Working life link to slower brains
• Study links job loss to cognitive decline

Photo: Anja Leist / © Michel Brumat