Studies have shown that prolonged sitting can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, depression and dementia.
However, new research published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine highlights an important distinction between mentally passive sitting (such as watching TV) and mentally active sitting (such as reading or office work) with respect to dementia risk.
“While all sitting involves minimal energy expenditure, it may be differentiated by the level of brain activity. How we use our brains while we are sitting appears to be a crucial determinant of future cognitive functioning and, as we have shown, may predict dementia onset,” the lead author said.
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Researchers analysed data from a long-term study of 20,811 adults aged 35 to 64, who were followed for 19 years—569 participants developed dementia during the study period.
The findings showed that people who spent more time in mentally passive sitting had a higher risk of dementia. Replacing passive sitting with mentally active sedentary behaviours reduced this risk.
Each additional hour of active sitting per day lowered dementia risk by 4 per cent. Replacing one hour of passive sitting with one hour of mentally active work was associated with a 7 per cent lower risk.
The protective effect of mentally active sitting was strongest in adults aged 50 to 64, suggesting that middle age is a critical period for maintaining brain health.
“It is important to remain physically active as we age, but also mentally active—especially when we are sitting,” the study author concluded.
