Gaby
Researchers at Harvard analyzed the work histories and causes of death for millions of Americans. Comparing data across roughly 400 professions, they found that taxi and ambulance drivers were less likely than others to die from Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers suggest that frequent navigation and spatial problem-solving could help protect the brain. Bus drivers don’t get the same boost, since they usually travel fixed routes.
“Our findings suggest that the frequent navigation tasks and spatial processing activities performed by taxi and ambulance drivers may be linked to protection against Alzheimer’s disease,” the researchers wrote in their report.
Other Evidence Supporting the Finding
This isn’t the only evidence that navigation helps long-term brain health. Previous studies have found, for example, that training to become a London taxi driver changes brain structure, according to BBC Science Focus.
London taxi drivers must pass an incredibly challenging test on the streets of the capital. Researchers from University College London (UCL) found that when drivers trained for the test, their hippocampi grew larger, much like a bicep that has done many curls with dumbbells. The hippocampus supports navigation and spatial processing, and it is also one of the first brain regions to shrink in Alzheimer’s disease.
“There is evidence that spatial orientation and navigation are among the first functions to decline,” said Hugo Spiers, a professor of cognitive neurobiology who leads the Taxi Brains project at UCL.
He says the decline of these functions may even come before memory loss. The increase in hippocampal size from frequent navigation provides a kind of cognitive reserve that can help protect against dementia.
Professor Spiers added that a higher level of education and systematic thinking also contribute to cognitive reserve. He believes we could all benefit from sharpening our navigation skills, and one of the best ways to do that is to get outside.
“If I were to triangulate the multitude of evidence we’ve seen in recent years, one of the best things you can do for your brain is to go for a run or take a walk in nature. If possible, head into the woods and try to get a little lost. Don’t rely on GPS; find your way,” said Professor Spiers.
“This means you’re not only thinking spatially, but you’re also active and engaging with nature. All of this, as we know, is beneficial for healthy aging. Go out with friends for extra motivation, as having more social connections also helps against Alzheimer’s disease,” he added.
