Shift work is significantly and positively associated with dementia: A meta-analysis study.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational cohort studies
PubMed 36875407 · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.998464
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science following PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria required adult employees, exposure to shift work versus non-shift work, and an outcome of dementia diagnosed by examination or assessment. Five studies were included in the quantitative synthesis, and two were pooled in a meta-analysis comparing hazard ratios for dementia.
What was found
A random-effects meta-analysis of two studies found a modest association between shift work and incident dementia (pooled HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04-1.23, p = 0.04). This association was also observed in night workers who worked night shifts for more than 1 year.
Why it matters
It provides preliminary pooled epidemiological evidence that occupational circadian disruption from shift and night work is linked to a slightly elevated risk of dementia.
Limits
The quantitative meta-analysis was restricted to only two studies. As an observational synthesis, causality cannot be determined and residual confounding remains possible. Overall participant sample size and details of the other three included studies are not reported in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Shift work is a known carcinogen and increases the risk of developing diabetes and dementia.