A recent study led by Marissa A. Gogniat, PhD, has uncovered concerning links between sedentary behavior and cognitive decline in older adults. Studies have found that time spent sitting or lying down is associated with poorer cognitive function and increased brain atrophy. This can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s, at higher rates.
Participants wore accelerometers on their wrists, an objective measure that includes the amount of activity and records the intensity and frequency. Specifically, it showed that being sedentary could actually negate the benefits of getting regular exercise. That’s right, even if you’re meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines, sitting too much can still negatively affect your brain health. Keep moving to keep your brain safe!
Approximately 45% of dementia is believed to be preventable through interventions targeting at least 8 identified modifiable risk factors.
Gogniat emphasized the importance of minimizing sedentary time, stating, “This is significant because the common thought has always been that if you exercise regularly, it doesn’t really matter what else that you do.” This new research disproves that idea, showing that sitting less is just as important.
The findings highlight a concerning trend: many older adults may not realize that prolonged periods of inactivity can be as detrimental to their cognitive health as the lack of exercise. “Doctors often ask patients how active they are — but rarely how many hours a day they spend sitting,” said Sanjula Dhillon Singh, MD, PhD, MSc (Oxon).
Interestingly, the study found an association between worse hippocampal volume and more sedentary time. This indicates that the risk of cognitive decline can still be present even among people who are active and exercise regularly. Those who carry the APOE4 gene variant are at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Sitting too long can have even worse, more debilitating effects on them.
Dhillon Singh noted, “Many of the observed associations linking greater sedentary time with brain health and cognitive outcomes were present in APOE4 carriers, but not in non-carriers.” This indicates that those already at genetic risk for Alzheimer’s might need to be particularly vigilant about their sedentary habits.
In light of such significant implications from these findings, experts are quick to address the study’s limitations, particularly its small sample size. Constance Katsafanas, DO, says she would like to see whether these outcomes can be reproduced in bigger clinical studies. “I’d like to see if the results are reproducible,” she stated.
Katsafanas further pointed out a lack of in-depth tracking of participants’ activity levels across the entire study period. “I’d like to see studies that track activity vs. time spent sedentary for the duration of the study,” she added.
The researchers recommend practical strategies for reducing sedentary time, such as setting a timer to stand up and stretch every 30 to 60 minutes. Dhillon Singh pointed out that the good news lies in the fact that if sitting too long is a risk factor, it is one that can be addressed: “Standing up, moving more, and breaking up long stretches of sitting might be some of the easiest ways to protect your brain as you age.”
“The importance of these results is amplified by the lack of existing disease-altering therapies that cure Alzheimer’s disease. There are no current treatments that cure Alzheimer’s disease,” noted Gogniat.
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