KEEPING A BALANCED PERSPECTIVE ON THE IMPACT OF NEUROCOGNITIVE DISORDERS ON PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE

Abstract

The interaction of age-related cognitive disorders on occupational performance among senior professionals is a neglected area of both research and practice, and research from our group indicates that professional and regulatory bodies are unprepared for responding to the challenges that may arise from this condition (1). While increased working life and early detection of dementia call attention to the phenomenon, it is also important that due consideration is given to the problems of ageism and stigmatization of dementia. This presentation will synthesize evolving research from occupational medicine, geriatric medicine and gerontology, along with insights also arising from diverse fields such as traffic/aviation medicine and literature, and in particular aims to contextualize the impact of early dementia on occupational performance relative to conditions occurring across the lifespan such as depression and alcohol/substance abuse.

1. FitzGerald D, Keane RA, Reid A, O’Neill D. Ageing, cognitive disorders and professional practice. Age Ageing. 2013 Sep;42(5):608–14.