Researchers have long suspected that prolonged sitting could heighten dementia risk. However, new findings indicate that the nature of sitting might hold greater significance than previously believed. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggests that trading passive sedentary activities for active mental engagement while sitting can significantly lower the risk of dementia.
Mentally active behaviors include activities like reading and office work, which engage the brain. In contrast, passive behaviors could involve watching TV or using screens with low engagement.
“I’m a neurologist — here’s why dementia is rising and how to reduce your risk.”
To derive these conclusions, Swedish researchers studied over 20,000 individuals aged 35 to 64 over 19 years, from 1997 to 2016. Participants provided information about their sitting habits, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors. Dementia diagnoses were identified through Swedish health and death records.
Researchers emphasized the importance of brain usage during sitting, suggesting that active mental engagement could be more critical for brain health than previously thought. Mentally active sedentary behavior was linked to a “significant reduction in dementia risk” compared to passive activities.
Although conducted in Sweden, the study’s results might be applicable to a broader global audience and could shape public health recommendations to mitigate dementia risk.
Dr. Mats Hallgren, a leading researcher from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, stated that the study highlighted key distinctions between passive and engaging sedentary activities concerning brain health. Over nearly two decades, the study followed over 20,000 adults to explore relationships between sitting habits and dementia.
“All sitting involves minimal energy expenditure, yet it can vary by the level of brain activity,” Hallgren pointed out. How we engage our brains while sitting appears to be a crucial predictor of cognitive function and may indicate dementia onset.
Sedentary behavior is considered a “modifiable risk factor for numerous health issues, including dementia.” The study suggests that not all sedentary actions have the same impact; some may increase, while others might protect against dementia. It’s crucial to stay physically and mentally active as we age, especially during sitting.
The study emphasizes that not all sitting habits equally protect long-term brain health. According to the CDC, by 2060, nearly 14 million American adults could have Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, a study by the Alzheimer’s Association found a link between biological age and dementia risk.
Recent research also suggests that higher consumption of unprocessed meat could protect older people with specific genetic variants against dementia.