I read with great interest the article by Neuvonen et al. [1]. The authors' conclusion is that cynical distrust in late life increases the risk of incident dementia. The authors suggested that replication is needed. From my perspective, unemployed individuals may also be at risk. Unemployment rates have increased since the beginning of the economic crisis. In a recent study on Spanish unemployment, an estimated 500,000 Spaniards have quit the "system" and have not sought new employment. [2] The majority of this group is 55 years or older.
Countries in similar distress are likely experiencing these issues. Those who are unemployed answering the questionnaire on cynical distrust will score poorly, but it should be tested. Are the unemployed at higher risk of incident dementia or another type of dementia? Does cynical distrust, once confounders are eliminated, predict an increased risk of dementia in long-standing, unemployed people? Funded studies could answer these questions along with the other effects of unemploy
1. Neuvonen E, Rusanen M, Solomon A, et al. Late-life cynical distrust, risk of incident dementia, and mortality in a population-based cohort. Neurology 2014;82:2205-2212.
2. Spanish Statistical office. Analysis of the recent evolution of the economically active population in Spain (First quarter of 2011 to first quarter of 2014). 2014. http://www.ine.es/en/inebaseDYN/epa30308/epa_resultados_4_en.htm (Accessed June 26, 2015).
For disclosures, contact the editorial office at journal@neurology.org.
I read with great interest the article by Neuvonen et al. [1]. The authors' conclusion is that cynical distrust in late life increases the risk of incident dementia. The authors suggested that replication is needed. From my perspective, unemployed individuals may also be at risk. Unemployment rates have increased since the beginning of the economic crisis. In a recent study on Spanish unemployment, an estimated 500,000 Spaniards have quit the "system" and have not sought new employment. [2] The majority of this group is 55 years or older.
Countries in similar distress are likely experiencing these issues. Those who are unemployed answering the questionnaire on cynical distrust will score poorly, but it should be tested. Are the unemployed at higher risk of incident dementia or another type of dementia? Does cynical distrust, once confounders are eliminated, predict an increased risk of dementia in long-standing, unemployed people? Funded studies could answer these questions along with the other effects of unemploy
1. Neuvonen E, Rusanen M, Solomon A, et al. Late-life cynical distrust, risk of incident dementia, and mortality in a population-based cohort. Neurology 2014;82:2205-2212.
2. Spanish Statistical office. Analysis of the recent evolution of the economically active population in Spain (First quarter of 2011 to first quarter of 2014). 2014. http://www.ine.es/en/inebaseDYN/epa30308/epa_resultados_4_en.htm (Accessed June 26, 2015).
For disclosures, contact the editorial office at journal@neurology.org.