New research suggests that memory-intensive professions like taxi and ambulance driving may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s related deaths, possibly linked to brain navigation skills

A recent study published in The BMJ has revealed that taxi and ambulance drivers exhibit the lowest Alzheimer’s disease death rates among over 440 analysed occupations. The findings suggest that spatial memory and navigational skills—key aspects of these professions—may offer a degree of cognitive protection.

Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia that disrupts memory and thinking abilities, is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Researchers in Massachusetts observed occupational mortality rates and found that professions requiring intense spatial awareness might influence outcomes related to Alzheimer’s.

“We view these findings not as conclusive, but as hypothesis-generating,” the researchers emphasised, adding that while the results are intriguing, they do not establish a cause-and-effect relationship.

The hippocampus, a region of the brain involved in spatial navigation and memory, appears central to these findings. Previous research has shown that London taxi drivers, who undergo rigorous navigational training, display an enhanced hippocampus compared to the general population.

Interestingly, the protective trend was not observed in other driving-related occupations, such as bus drivers or pilots, nor was it evident in other types of dementia. This specificity suggests that the unique cognitive demands of taxi and ambulance driving—like real-time route planning and situational awareness—may play a role in safeguarding the hippocampus.

However, experts caution against drawing broad conclusions. Cognitive protection might also result from lifestyle factors or workplace routines unique to these professions, rather than the jobs themselves.

Alzheimer’s continues to affect millions of Americans, and understanding how certain occupations influence brain health could pave the way for preventive strategies. This research highlights the importance of further exploring the link between occupational activities, brain function, and long-term cognitive health.