The Dilemma of Older Workers and Cognitive Decline
There has been some discussion
lately about older workers who might have dementia. This scenario is not unusual. The boomers are staying in the workplace
longer these days. This poses a dilemma
for employers. Normal aging changes in
the brain can have an effect on older worker’s productivity. Distraction, focus issues, and speed of
processing can slow an older worker down.
Outside caregiving duties for frail, older parents and relatives can
cause stress and lack of focus on the job.
These problems can undercut productivity. And, then there are aging employees who might
have Mild Cognitive Impairment. Although
functional individuals with MCI struggle to maintain the appearance of being
cognitively intact, they are high risk to make costly mistakes on the job. They can be masters at disguising their
cognitive problems. This makes it
difficult to pinpoint what may be the problem with their work performance.
Then there is the ultimate problem
of Alzheimer’s disease in the workplace.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Facts and Figures 2014 there
are 5.2 million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease. An estimated 5 million people with
Alzheimer’s disease are 65 and over. The
other 200,000 people are under age 65 with younger-onset Alzheimer’s
disease. Unfortunately, about half of
the people who meet diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s disease, have been
diagnosed by a doctor. The reality is
half of the estimated 5.2 million Americans may not know they have it.
There is the group of individuals
who are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and deny problems. They won’t go to a doctor because they fear
what they might hear. The stress of
keeping this façade intact can escalate their cognitive problems. Chronic stress has an impact on the
hippocampus (center for learning and memory), amygdala (an emotional center),
and the prefrontal cortex (executive function).
How does that impact the
workplace? How does a company address this
situation? These are real concerns and
policies for addressing cognitive issues must be in place. Referrals to professionals for assessment and
diagnosis must be available. It is not
the company’s place to make a diagnostic decision about a person’s cognitive
ability based solely on observation.
Additional steps must be in place to address assessment outcomes.
Incorporating brain health programs
within the context of wellness programming can benefit all employees regardless
of age. Our brains are remarkably
resilient if given the appropriate resources.
Aging processes (e.g. speed of processing) can be recovered. New neuronal cell growth can occur when the
brain is given the right stimulation.
Through physical exercise, mental stimulation, nutrition, socialization,
stress management, and spirituality our brains can develop cognitive
resilience. We can function at a higher
cognitive level and ultimately delay the onset of dementia. This brain health culture changes the dynamic
of the workplace. It is definitely a win
for all.
Pat Faust, Gerontologist
Director Corporate Wellness
Brain Health Center
www.brainhealthctr.com
No comments:
Post a Comment