With cases of dementia on the rise, a new study looks at the effect a sedentary lifestyle can have on the condition.
The CDC estimates that nearly six million people in the United States have dementia. That number is expected to rise to an estimated 14 million by 2060.
However, a new study shows that you can take steps to lower your risk of developing dementia. He examined sedentary behavior and studied the difference between passive activities like watching television, compared to more mentally engaged activities like using a computer.
The study appears in the August issue of “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.” It’s
found that the more active your brain is while sitting, the more likely it is to reduce your chances of developing dementia. In contrast, sitting passively with little brain stimulation increases the risk.
The study did not make physical activity any less important for health.
The takeaway: keep up the exercise. However, when you do have a seat, engage in activities such as reading, playing cards, or other games that challenge the mind. All of them are associated with benefits for the brain.
