Title: Study Reveals Link between sedentary behavior and Increased Risk of Dementia
Subtitle: Spending more than 10 hours a day sitting down can significantly raise dementia risk, regardless of the sedentary activity
Date: September 12, 2023
Byline: Xantha Leatham, Deputy Science Editor for The Daily Mail
A new study conducted by the University of Southern California and the University of Arizona has found a strong correlation between sedentary behavior and the risk of developing dementia. The research suggests that spending more than 10 hours a day sitting down, whether in front of the television or driving, significantly increases the chances of developing this debilitating neurological condition.
The study analyzed data from over 50,000 British adults aged 60 and over. Participants wore wrist devices that tracked their activity levels, differentiating between periods of sitting and sleeping. Over a six-year follow-up period, 414 participants were diagnosed with dementia.
The results revealed that individuals who spent 10 hours a day sedentary were 8% more likely to develop dementia compared to those who spent fewer hours sitting. Shockingly, those who spent 12 hours a day sitting down saw a 63% increase in their risk of being diagnosed with dementia. The risk tripled for those who logged 15 sedentary hours a day.
According to Professor Gene Alexander, one of the study’s authors, the risk of dementia rapidly increases after spending 10 hours sedentary each day, regardless of how that time is accumulated. The accumulation of sedentary behavior throughout the day, such as long periods of sitting followed by activity or interspersed with standing up, also showed a similar link to an increased risk of dementia.
The research also highlighted the role of a hormone called irisin, which is released during exercise and has been shown to clear plaques in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Although there is no cure for dementia, the study suggests that regular exercise may play a preventive role in reducing the risk of developing the condition.
Professor David Raichlen, another researcher involved in the study, emphasized the importance of breaking up long periods of sitting by standing or walking around every 30 minutes. However, he also noted that the total time spent sedentary appeared to be the primary factor in increasing dementia risk, suggesting that shorter, frequent breaks may not be enough to offset the negative effects.
Dementia is a global concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, impacts memory, thinking, and behavior. In the UK alone, there are currently over 900,000 people living with dementia, a number projected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040. In the US, it is estimated that 5.5 million people currently suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.
While there is no cure for dementia, early diagnosis can help slow its progression and allow for more effective treatment options. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the role of sedentary behavior and the potential impact on dementia risk, highlighting the importance of staying physically active and engaging in regular exercise to maintain brain health.
Source: The Daily Mail