Both dementia and Alzheimer's lead to impaired memory and cognition, apart from poor mental functioning, and brain cells eventually may die
Even as a toxic work culture has massively promoted the need to hustle all the time – many people, especially the young professionals of Generation Z, are falling prey to it. Most believe that hustling at work – can bring them the achievement they seek, but that often comes at the cost of overall well-being – both physically and mentally. According to experts, hustling is not just making you unwell now but is also degenerating your brain as you grow older, causing untreatable conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's.
Both dementia and Alzheimer's lead to impaired memory and cognition, apart from poor mental functioning, and brain cells eventually may die. While this is common in the elderly, the contemporary lifestyle can also put you at risk.
"Many (youngsters) push themselves to unhealthy extremes, leading to a toxic work culture that harms both mind and body. The constant stress, anxiety, and fear of missing targets have led to longer working hours, reduced sleep, and to take up a lifestyle with minimal physical activity accompanied by poor dietary choices,” Dr. Ishu Goyal, Deputy Consultant, Neurology, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, told Times Now.
In India alone, an estimated 5 million people are currently living with dementia with Alzheimer’s accounting for 60-70 per cent of these cases.
How do unhealthy work practices lead to cognitive decline?
According to Dr. Goyal, a buildup of abnormal proteins and waste products in the brain - which usually get typically cleared during sleep, aided by antioxidants from a healthy diet is usually not there if your stress levels are high. “Individuals genetically predisposed to dementia may experience cognitive decline earlier if they neglect their mental and physical health in favour of this fast-paced, high-stress lifestyle,” said Dr. Goyal.
“Hustle per se should not solely be labeled as the culprit – it is the diseases like anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular complications arising from this behavior that might lead to an increased risk of developing AD later in life. Again, we need to take everything with a pinch of salt,” said Dr. Virajrao Kore, Consultant Geriatrician, at Ruby Hall Clinic.
Ways to reduce stress and anxiety at work
Experts recommend adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle that includes clean eating, limiting alcohol and stopping smoking, staying on top of vascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, and regularly evaluating and treating hearing and vision loss - all while getting uninterrupted and regulated sleep are few ways you can push back cognitive decline.
"Regular work breaks, relaxation techniques, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and rejuvenating therapies are essential for maintaining brain health and preventing the onset of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Goyal added.
Experiencing work strain is unavoidable, even if you love what you do. So, you must take actionable steps to keep job stress at a manageable level. For that, you must also work on your time management skills, take time to recharge, become aware of how events affect you, and rely on a support network may help you manage job-related stress.
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