Sex differences in the association between occupational environment exposures and cognitive function outcomes in later life

OBJECTIVES: Sex differences in later-life cognitive function have been shown to be partially related to the over- and under-representation of male and female workers in different types of occupations. However, another important factor that has not been systematically evaluated is whether cognitive benefits or consequences of specific occupational exposures differ by sex. Our study addresses this knowledge gap. METHODS: This study uses longitudinal data drawn from the Health and Retirement Study linked to occupational data based on the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) database. We examined two established composite occupational exposure measures shown to influence cognitive function: occupational complexity and occupational hazards. Ordinary least squares regression models were used to evaluate whether the association between occupational exposures and late-life cognitive function was dependent on sex, including when accounting for early-life factors. RESULTS: Sex moderated the association between occupational exposures and later-life cognitive function. Specifically, older men-but not women-experienced both significant cognitive benefits in association with occupational complexity (Δy/Δx = 0.06, p < .01) and cognitive detriments in association with occupational hazards (Δy/Δx= -0.05, p < .01), even when controlling for early life factors. DISCUSSION: Findings suggest that differences in how men and women respond to occupational exposures may be an important factor contributing to sex-based disparities in later-life cognitive outcomes. Future research is needed to determine how both work and non-work exposures across the life course differently shape long-term cognitive health outcomes in men and women in later life.