Swedish scientists have found that prolonged sitting does not necessarily lead to dementia. What matters more is what you do while in that position. The researchers' conclusions were examined by "Doctor Peter."
It is believed that the more time a person spends sitting — in the office at work, watching television, driving, or relaxing on the couch — the greater the threat of developing dementia. However, this is not entirely true. Researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and their colleagues from Australia and Brazil found that the duration of sitting alone is not a decisive factor; what is much more important is how we use our brains during that time.
The scientists analyzed data from 20,811 adults aged 35 to 64 (of whom 569 developed dementia with age), studying their habits related to a sedentary lifestyle and physical activity. During the study, the specialists divided sedentary activities into two categories:
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passive (mentally inactive): watching television, listening to music in the background, sitting in the bath;
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active (mentally stimulating): reading, knitting, working in an office, or any other activity that requires brain engagement.
The results of the study showed that passive sitting was associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. In contrast, mentally active activities showed a protective effect, even when sitting.
The More Active the Brain, the Lower the Risk
"Each additional hour of mental sedentary activity per day was associated with a four percent reduction in the risk of developing dementia," the authors of the study noted. Notably, this effect was observed regardless of the time spent in passive sitting and the individual's level of physical activity.
The lead researcher, Mats Hallgren, explained: "Although all types of activities performed while sitting consume minimal energy, they differ in terms of brain activity. How we use our brains when we are seated can be a decisive factor for future cognitive health."
The scientists noted that not all types of sedentary lifestyles are equally harmful. In older age, it is important to remain physically active, but also mentally active, especially when we are sitting.
To Keep the Brain Young
To maintain brain youth, the researchers advise: instead of watching television, pick up an interesting book or solve crosswords if you are sitting on a train. If you enjoy listening to music, try creating new unusual playlists — this also stimulates the brain. Overall, choose activities that engage multiple skills at once.
Learning Something New. A foreign language or playing a musical instrument creates new neural connections.
Memory Training. Try to memorize shopping lists or solve simple math problems in your head without using a calculator.
Games Instead of Movies. Replace evening movie watching with board games, puzzles, or video games that train logic.
Social Activity. Meaningful conversations and group activities stimulate the brain just as well as intellectual exercises.
The main condition is variety and regularity. New and challenging tasks bring more benefits than familiar and routine actions.
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