New Study Reveals Alarming Link Between Excessive Sitting and Dementia Risk
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has shed light on the potential dangers of spending too much time sitting. Researchers have found that sitting for 12 hours a day or more can significantly increase the risk of developing dementia.
The study, which involved analyzing data from over 50,000 participants aged 60 and older, revealed a shocking 63% greater risk of dementia in those who sat for 12 or more hours compared to those who sat for less time. Even reducing sitting time to 10 hours still resulted in an 8% greater risk of developing dementia.
To gather data on sedentary behavior, participants were equipped with “accelerometers” that tracked their movement for several years. This allowed the researchers to collect valuable information on their sitting habits and its potential impact on dementia risk.
These findings align with previous research that has also highlighted the association between extensive sitting and an elevated risk of dementia. It appears that exercise alone may not be enough to counterbalance the negative effects of excessive sitting, as even those who engaged in physical activity while sitting for extended periods were found to be at risk. Experts stress the importance of reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity to mitigate this risk.
Experts recommend adopting a “sit less, move more” approach to combat the health risks linked to excessive sitting. They suggest incorporating activities like “walking meetings” and reducing sitting time during work hours in order to break up long periods of sedentary behavior.
While some may wonder if standing desks can help reduce the risks, it remains uncertain whether they are effective. Differentiating between sitting and standing still is challenging in research studies, making it difficult to determine the true impact of standing desks on reducing dementia risk.
Ultimately, this study highlights the urgent need to address sedentary behavior as a risk factor for dementia, particularly among older individuals. By adopting a more active lifestyle and consciously reducing sitting time, individuals can take proactive steps to safeguard their brain health and reduce the likelihood of developing this debilitating condition.
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