Are you increasing your dementia risk? Experts warn against these common habits
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As we age, our daily habits can either be our greatest allies or our most subtle foes, especially when it comes to our cognitive health.
For the senior community, understanding the impact of routines is crucial, and recent findings have shed light on two common seated activities that could be quietly elevating the risk of dementia.
Let's unpack these revelations and explore how we can adjust our habits for better brain health.
The University of South Australia's researchers have sounded the alarm on prolonged television watching and video gaming.
These activities, often seen as harmless ways to unwind, have been linked to reduced gray matter in the brain. This is concerning because gray matter is the command center for critical cognitive functions such as thinking, reasoning, and decision-making.
Imaging studies have shown a correlation between less gray matter and poorer cognitive skills.
Moreover, previous research suggests that indulging in more than three hours of television daily can impair learning and memory skills.
The reason? A lack of stimulation may cause the connections between brain cells to weaken and die off.
The study in question assessed the 24-hour activity patterns of 397 individuals over 60 and tested their cognitive abilities.
The results, published in The Journals of Gerontology Series A, indicated that those who engaged in “mentally stimulating” sedentary activities performed significantly better on cognitive tests.
So, what can we do when we're seated but still want to nurture our brain health? The experts point to activities that are mentally or socially stimulating, such as:
Dr. Maddison Mellow, co-author of the study, emphasizes the importance of interspersing passive activities with engaging ones. Even brief five-minute swaps can make a difference.
For instance, if you're planning to watch a movie, consider taking a break to read a chapter of a book or to play a tune on the piano. These small adjustments can help you build healthier habits over time.
Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, is a growing concern, with lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, and infrequent mental stimulation contributing to its prevalence.
By making conscious choices about how we spend our seated time, we can actively engage our brains and potentially reduce our risk of cognitive decline.
Have you found creative ways to stay mentally active while seated? Do you have tips for balancing relaxation with brain health? Share your strategies and experiences in the comments below!
For the senior community, understanding the impact of routines is crucial, and recent findings have shed light on two common seated activities that could be quietly elevating the risk of dementia.
Let's unpack these revelations and explore how we can adjust our habits for better brain health.
The University of South Australia's researchers have sounded the alarm on prolonged television watching and video gaming.
These activities, often seen as harmless ways to unwind, have been linked to reduced gray matter in the brain. This is concerning because gray matter is the command center for critical cognitive functions such as thinking, reasoning, and decision-making.
Imaging studies have shown a correlation between less gray matter and poorer cognitive skills.
Moreover, previous research suggests that indulging in more than three hours of television daily can impair learning and memory skills.
Researchers suggest that some sedentary activities are beneficial for the brain, while others can increase dementia risk. Image source: Pexels / Amateur Hub.
The reason? A lack of stimulation may cause the connections between brain cells to weaken and die off.
The study in question assessed the 24-hour activity patterns of 397 individuals over 60 and tested their cognitive abilities.
The results, published in The Journals of Gerontology Series A, indicated that those who engaged in “mentally stimulating” sedentary activities performed significantly better on cognitive tests.
So, what can we do when we're seated but still want to nurture our brain health? The experts point to activities that are mentally or socially stimulating, such as:
- Reading
- Listening to music
- Praying
- Crafting
- Playing a musical instrument
- Engaging in conversation
Dr. Maddison Mellow, co-author of the study, emphasizes the importance of interspersing passive activities with engaging ones. Even brief five-minute swaps can make a difference.
For instance, if you're planning to watch a movie, consider taking a break to read a chapter of a book or to play a tune on the piano. These small adjustments can help you build healthier habits over time.
Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, is a growing concern, with lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, and infrequent mental stimulation contributing to its prevalence.
By making conscious choices about how we spend our seated time, we can actively engage our brains and potentially reduce our risk of cognitive decline.
Have you found creative ways to stay mentally active while seated? Do you have tips for balancing relaxation with brain health? Share your strategies and experiences in the comments below!
