Most people spend their leisure time doing sedentary activities such as watching TV, surfing the internet, reading books, and playing video games. With dementia rates rising globally, there is a growing need to understand how lifestyle habits affect brain health. In this context, a recent Australian study on the impact of sedentary activities on brain health and cognitive function in the long term has found that some of these mentally stimulating activities can reduce the risk of dementia and enhance memory, while others are associated with negative effects on cognition. The results of the study were published in September 2024 in the Journal of Gerontology, Department of Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences.
The impact of sedentary activities on brain health.. How do these behaviors affect memory and cognition?
Researchers from the University of South Australia studied the impact of sedentary activities on brain health and cognitive function by analyzing daily activity patterns over the course of a day (24 hours) in 397 older adults aged 60 years or older. The results revealed that the type of activity may affect brain health in the long term, and showed that some sedentary behaviors or activities that require sitting may be more beneficial to brain function than others.
When the researchers evaluated different sedentary behaviors, they found that social or mentally stimulating activities were beneficial to memory, including: reading, listening to music, praying, practicing crafts, playing a musical instrument, and talking with others. In contrast, other activities, such as watching TV or playing video games, were harmful to brain health.
Dr. Madison Mello, the lead researcher on the study from the University of South Australia, explained that sedentary activities differ in their effect on memory and thinking abilities, and indicated that there is a hierarchy of sedentary behaviors in terms of their effect on cognitive functions, with some having positive effects on the brain while others have negative effects.
The effect of sedentary activities on brain health.. Do they protect against dementia?
Around 411,100 people in Australia have dementia, or one in every 1,000 people, and women make up the majority of these cases (around two-thirds). Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 55 million people worldwide have dementia, with around 10 million new cases each year.
Researchers have suggested that the risk of cognitive impairment can be reduced, with at least 45% of dementia cases being preventable through lifestyle changes. Several previous studies have shown that physical activity can protect the brain from dementia, suggesting that it should be prioritised to improve brain health. The researchers explained that the type of activity changes its impact on cognitive function, and that different activities provide varying levels of cognitive stimulation and social interaction.
Physical and mental activities improve cognitive function and boost brain health
“We found that sedentary behaviors that promote mental stimulation or social interaction, such as reading or talking with friends, are beneficial for cognitive function, while other activities, such as watching TV or playing video games, have negative effects on the brain. So the type of activity matters,” said Dr. Milo.
She noted that while the principle of ‘move more, sit less’ is beneficial for both cardiometabolic and brain health, this study highlights the need for a more detailed approach when evaluating how different sedentary behaviors impact cognitive function.
To get the best health benefits for the brain and body, the researchers noted that prioritizing physical activity that raises the heart rate should be a priority because it benefits all aspects of health. They also explained that dedicating short periods (such as 5 minutes) of mental or physical activity during long periods of sitting can be beneficial for brain health.