Sitting for ten hours or more daily significantly increases the risk of dementia, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). In Germany, adults spend an average of 9.2 hours per day sitting, while in the US, the average is 9.5 hours. Despite evidence that this sedentary lifestyle can lead to cardiovascular disease and other health problems, people are spending more time sitting. Until now, it has been unclear whether prolonged sitting also contributes to cognitive decline.
Researchers at the University of Southern California analyzed health data from 50,000 participants over the age of 60 who wore fitness trackers for a week. None of the participants had been diagnosed with dementia at the time of the study. The researchers used analysis methods to measure the duration of the participants’ sitting time, excluding sleep periods. They also considered whether these periods of rest were continuous or intermittent. Demographic and lifestyle-related information, such as age, gender, education level, exercise habits, diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, and mental health, were also recorded.
Over the six-year follow-up period, 414 participants developed dementia. Statistical analyses showed that people who sit for more than ten hours per day have a higher risk of dementia than those who sit for less than 9.5 hours. The risk increases with each additional hour of inactivity. Factors such as physical activity or eating habits did not seem to have an impact on the results. Additionally, the study found no difference in risk between those who sat for ten hours continuously and those who took breaks.
This study highlights the importance of reducing sedentary behavior to maintain cognitive health. Experts recommend taking regular breaks from sitting, standing up and stretching, and engaging in physical activity to reduce the risk of dementia and other health problems associated with prolonged sitting.
