The association between occupational complexity and white matter in the brain

Abstract

Occupational complexity (OCC) refers to experiences that increase one's environmental stimulation in a job and provide greater opportunities for skill development. Understanding the association between OCC and brain white matter is critical in aging research as it can elucidate the potential protective effects of stimulating environments on brain health and shed light on strategies for preserving microstructural integrity as individuals age. The current study examines whether working a complex job is associated with white matter integrity, determined by fractional anisotropy (FA). Participants included 58 healthy adults aged 18-85 (M = 49.2, SD =21.7) who completed diffusion-weighted imaging scans and a subcategory of a validated work survey to assess OCC. A principal component analysis reduced the survey items to four meaningful constructs. Higher age was consistently associated with lower FA. Information processing was significantly associated with FA in the inferior longitudinal fasciculus. Additionally, a significant interaction between information processing and age in the forceps major suggests the effect of OCC on FA is dependent on age. These findings highlight that while OCC is associated with FA, its effects may vary by regions and age, pointing to a more nuanced relationship between work characteristics and brain health.