Long-term Sitting Linked to Shrinking Brains and Increased Dementia Risk - Prolonged sitting may lead to brain shrinkage and increased dementia risk.
Prolonged Sitting Linked to Brain Shrinkage, Cognitive Decline, and Dementia Risk
New research sheds light on the long-term effects of prolonged sitting on brain health, cognitive performance, and the risk of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
Brain Health
Studies have found that prolonged sedentary behavior in adults aged 50 and over is associated with brain shrinkage, notably in regions susceptible to Alzheimer's disease. This association persists even among individuals who adhere to recommended physical activity guidelines.
Furthermore, long hours of sitting can decrease blood flow to the brain, depriving it of oxygen and essential nutrients, potentially accelerating atrophy in critical regions like the hippocampus, which is critical for memory and learning. Sedentary behavior may also contribute to vascular dysfunction and inflammation, risk factors for neurodegeneration.
Cognitive Performance
Research indicates that increased sedentary time accelerates cognitive decline. In fact, even those who are physically active but spend significant amounts of time sitting show worse cognitive outcomes than their less sedentary counterparts. The hippocampus, a crucial brain region for memory, is particularly affected, often showing reduced volume and associated memory problems.
Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
Those carrying the APOE-e4 gene, the most significant known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, are more susceptible to the brain health risks associated with prolonged sitting. Regular exercise does not entirely offset the increased risk in this group.
It's worth noting that the association between prolonged sitting and increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia remains, even among those who exercise regularly, challenging the common belief that regular physical activity alone can counteract the harms of excessive sitting.
Key Takeaways
- Sedentary behavior is an independent risk factor for brain shrinkage, cognitive decline, and dementia risk, even in physically active individuals.
- Breaking up long periods of sitting with brief bouts of movement may help mitigate these risks, emphasizing the importance of "active sitting" and activity breaks throughout the day.
- Individuals with the APOE-e4 allele should be particularly vigilant, as they are more susceptible to the brain health risks posed by prolonged sitting.
In essence, limiting prolonged sitting is crucial for maintaining brain health, preserving cognitive function, and reducing the risk of dementia, regardless of one's level of physical activity.
Vocational training, especially for adults aged 50 and over, could be incorporated into community policies as a means to counteract the cognitive effects of prolonged sitting. This may help maintain mental health, considering the association between sedentary behavior and cognitive decline, as well as the risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
Science and health-and-wellness communities must advocate for therapies-and-treatments that focus on brain health, particularly those that address vascular dysfunction and inflammation, as they are risk factors for neurodegeneration due to prolonged sitting.
