Occupational Determinants of Cognitive Function Across the Working Lifespan: A Systematic Review

Objective: Cognitive functioning is a critical determinant of work performance, employability, and healthy aging. Increasing evidence suggests that occupational characteristics may exert long-term effects on cognitive health; however, findings remain fragmented across disciplines. This systematic review aimed to synthesize empirical evidence on occupational factors associated with cognitive functioning from a cognitive and systems ergonomics perspective. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in Scopus, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Peer-reviewed studies examining associations between occupational factors and cognitive outcomes in working or retired adult populations were included. Data extraction and qualitative synthesis were performed across four domains: occupational cognitive complexity, harmful physical and chemical exposures, work organization and working time, and psychosocial work factors. Results: Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing diverse occupational groups and study designs. Consistent evidence indicated that low occupational cognitive complexity and limited cognitive engagement were associated with poorer cognitive performance and increased risk of cognitive decline. Chronic exposure to chemical, physical, and environmental hazards, as well as shift work, long working hours, and irregular schedules, were linked to impairments in attention, memory, and executive function. Adverse psychosocial work conditions, including job strain, low reward, burnout, workplace violence, and bullying, were also associated with reduced cognitive functioning. Individual factors such as age, cognitive reserve, and health status moderated these associations Conclusion: Cognitive health emerges as a system-level outcome shaped by long-term interactions between workers and their occupational environments. Integrating cognitive ergonomics principles into job design, exposure control, work-time organization, and psychosocial risk management may support cognitive sustainability across the working lifespan

کلیدواژه ها:

Cognitive functions ، Occupational factors ، Occupational diseases ، Workplace