Prolonged periods of sitting or lying down may increase the risk of developing dementia, according to new research from leading neurologists. The study reveals that increased sedentary behavior in adults over 50 is linked to cognitive decline and brain shrinkage in areas associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
While regular exercise has long been recommended to combat cognitive decline, this study suggests that physical activity alone might not be enough. Researchers found that individuals who spent significant time sitting still experienced cognitive deterioration, regardless of how much they exercised.
Published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, the study was led by Dr. Marissa Gogniat, assistant professor of Neurology at the University of Pittsburgh, alongside co-author Dr. Angela Jefferson, professor of Neurology and director at Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center.
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The research analyzed 404 adults aged 50 and older, who wore activity monitors continuously for a week. Their sedentary time was correlated with cognitive performance and brain imaging data collected over seven years. Findings showed that those with higher sedentary time were more prone to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline, irrespective of exercise levels.
This link was especially pronounced in participants carrying the APOE-e4 allele—a genetic variant known to elevate Alzheimer’s risk. This underscores the importance of reducing sitting time, particularly in individuals genetically predisposed to the disease.
“Preventing Alzheimer’s isn’t just about getting your daily workout,” Dr. Gogniat emphasized. “Minimizing prolonged sitting, even if you exercise regularly, is crucial to lowering your risk.”
Dr. Jefferson added, “Understanding lifestyle impacts on brain health is vital as we age. Our study indicates that breaking up sitting time can be an effective strategy to prevent cognitive decline and neurodegeneration.”
Dementia, a term describing symptoms such as memory loss, language difficulties, and impaired problem-solving, affects nearly one million people in the UK today. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form. Experts warn that numbers could surge to 1.4 million by 2040.
Early signs of dementia vary, but often include memory issues and confusion. It’s important to note that such symptoms don’t always indicate dementia as they can stem from other health conditions.
This research encourages older adults to actively reduce the amount of time they spend sitting each day, promoting frequent movement as a simple yet powerful step to safeguard brain health and reduce the risk of dementia.