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Spending excessive time sitting may elevate the risk of developing dementia,according to recent research. The study indicates that even regular exercise might not fully counteract the negative effects of prolonged sedentary behavior on brain health.

FRANKFURT – Several factors are known to contribute to the risk of dementia, including high blood pressure, obesity, and social isolation. additionally,unhealthy dietary habits and a lack of physical activity can also play a meaningful role in increasing the likelihood of Alzheimer’s disease.A new study suggests that prolonged periods of sitting each day could also be detrimental to brain function, with regular exercise perhaps insufficient to offset these risks.

Study Links Prolonged Sitting to Higher Dementia Risk

A U.S. study published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia monitored the activity levels of over 400 adults with an average age of 71 for more than seven years.At the study’s outset, none of the participants exhibited symptoms of dementia. Their movement was tracked using wearable smartwatches. The research team also conducted regular assessments of memory, language skills, and data processing speed through neuropsychological tests and MRI scans. the data revealed that participants spent an average of 13 hours per day sitting or lying down.

The study’s findings indicated a correlation between increased sitting time and poorer performance on cognitive tests.Participants who spent more time sitting, regardless of their exercise habits, exhibited not only poorer memory but also lower scores on cognitive performance evaluations.furthermore, these individuals had smaller brain areas particularly vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease and displayed greater volume loss in specific brain regions, a characteristic also associated with Alzheimer’s.

“Long phases of inactivity can have a negative impact on these systems,”

Experts Emphasize the Importance of Reducing Sedentary Time

Experts interpret these results by noting the close relationship between brain health and vascular and metabolic health. extended periods of inactivity can negatively affect these systems, according to biostatistician Prabha Siddarth at Health. Prolonged sitting may increase inflammation,disrupt metabolism,reduce blood flow to the brain,and impair neuronal connections.

Moreover, it can alter insulin sensitivity, potentially contributing to diabetes, a known risk factor for dementia. The expert cautions that even 30 minutes of daily activity may not fully counteract the adverse effects of prolonged sedentary behavior.Therefore, scientists recommend incorporating more movement into daily routines as a preventive measure against dementia.