Active lifestyle is a preventive measure against dementia

Dementia is the third leading cause of death and the seventh leading cause of disability among older adults worldwide. With the global aging population, identifying modifiable risk factors has become a priority for public health. Previously, it was believed that prolonged sitting had a negative impact on health, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and depression. However, new evidence suggests that the level of brain activity during sitting is crucial.

A team of researchers led by Dr. Mats Hallgren from the Karolinska Institute (Sweden) analyzed data from a long-term study involving 20,811 adults aged 35 to 64. The participants were followed for 19 years, from 1997 to 2016. The baseline survey included detailed information about sedentary behavior, physical activity, and other habits. To track the occurrence of dementia, the data was compared with the Swedish national registers of patients and causes of death.

The analysis results showed that mentally active sedentary behavior was directly associated with a reduced risk of developing dementia. Notably, increasing the time spent on activities such as reading or working on a computer reduced the risk, even when the level of passive sitting and physical activity remained the same. The best results were observed when the time spent watching TV was statistically replaced with equivalent periods of mental activity. This confirms the hypothesis that cognitive stimulation during sitting is a protective factor for the brain.

Although the design of the prospective study allows for the establishment of the direction of the relationships, the scientists note the need for controlled trials to definitively confirm the causal relationship. Nevertheless, the scale of the sample and the duration of the observation allow us to consider the conclusions applicable to the general population. The main conclusion for preventive strategies is that it is crucial to remain physically and mentally active as we age, especially during the periods of the day when we are sitting.