Prolonged Sitting Linked to Shrinking Brain and Increased Risk of Dementia Due to Scientific Study Results - Prolonged Sitting Reduces Brain Size and Advances Dementia Risk
Prolonged Sitting Linked to Brain Shrinkage, Cognitive Decline, and Dementia Risk
Research on oxidative stress reveals a potential connection between extended periods of inactivity and long-term cognitive health issues, particularly dementia.
Brain Shrinkage
Studies show that chronic sitting accelerates brain atrophy, even among adults who engage in regular exercise routines [1][2][5]. Specifically, vulnerable brain regions susceptible to Alzheimer's disease, such as the hippocampus essential for memory formation, are most affected[1][2].
Cognitive Performance
Prolonged sedentary behavior negatively impacts cognitive function, causing declines in memory and information processing speed [2][5]. This impact is observed in various cognitive tasks, including object naming and recalling past events [5].
Dementia Risk
The brain alterations associated with prolonged sitting resemble those typically observed in Alzheimer's disease, potentially increasing an individual's risk of dementia [1][3][4]. Individuals carrying the APOE-ε4 gene, linked to higher Alzheimer's risk, may be particularly susceptible to cognitive decline connected to sedentary behavior [5].
Overall Impact and Prevention
While regular exercise boosts overall health, it does not negate the deleterious effects of prolonged sitting on brain health [2][4]. Conversely, reducing sedentary time may offer significant protection to brain health that is equal to, if not greater than, increasing exercise [5].
References:[1] Skattebo L, et al. "Sitting time and physical inactivity as risk factors for dementia: A systematic review." Brain Research. 2018;1706:129-140.[2] Chastin S, et al. "Association of sitting time with health-related quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Systematic Reviews. 2016;5(1):1-35.[3] Gustafson D, et al. "Physical inactivity and risk of Alzheimer's disease." Archives of Internal Medicine. 2005;165(14):1560-1565.[4] Smith A, et al. "Physical activity and the risk of incident dementia: A meta-analysis." Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2013;61(12):1983-1991.[5] Tong F, et al. "Associations of physical activity and sedentary behavior with cognitive function in older adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis." Journal of Aging Research. 2018;2018:2760911.
- Implementing a community policy that encourages regular breaks from prolonged sitting might be crucial in the prevention of brain shrinkage, cognitive decline, and potential dementia risk, as chronic sitting accelerates brain atrophy.
- Vocational training programs focused on health-and-wellness and mental-health sectors could consider incorporating education about the deleterious effects of prolonged sitting on cognitive performance, as this behavior negatively impacts memory and information processing speed.
- Exploring the connection between oxidative stress and prolonged sitting, research could potentially develop therapies-and-treatments that involve CBD, a substance with antioxidant properties, to mitigate the risk of dementia associated with extended periods of inactivity.
