IMPACT OF OCCUPATIONAL AND FINANCIAL STRESS ON COGNITIVE DECLINE AMONG ELDERLY IN INDIA: INSIGHTS FROM THE DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT OF DEMENTIA FOR THE LONGITUDINAL AGING STUDY IN INDIA (LASI-DAD) STUDY

Srei Chanda, IPE Global
Kajori Banerjee, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata
Meheli Banerjee, PhD Scholar

Background: Dementia and cognitive decline are significant health issues for the elderly, with no definitive preventive or therapeutic solutions. In India, the rapidly aging population and increasing socio-economic inequalities amplify these challenges. Understanding the impact of work-related and financial stressors on cognitive function is essential, especially as many elderly individuals continue working due to inadequate financial security. Data and Methods: This study utilizes data from the LASI-DAD encompassing 3,798 individuals aged 60 and older. Cognitive function through discrepancy scores, calculated as the difference between fluid and crystallized memory, were analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and Latent Class Analysis. Work stress was assessed based on work status, hours, consistency, and environmental stress. Results: Preliminary results reveal that non-working elderly have a mean cognitive discrepancy score of -0.175, while those with current or previous employment show positive scores. Increased work stress, marked by long hours and inconsistent schedules, correlates with greater cognitive discrepancy, particularly affecting crystallized memory. Gender differences are evident, with working females experiencing more cognitive decline in specific sectors compared to males. Discussion: Findings highlight that rising work stress exacerbates crystallized memory decline, underscoring the need for interventions to address the adverse effects of occupational stress on cognitive health

Keywords: Health and Morbidity, Population Ageing, Longitudinal studies

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