The study, which investigated the lifestyle of nearly 50,000 individuals, found that individuals seated for over 10 hours daily face an elevated risk of dementia within the next seven years.
David Raichlen, the lead for the study, says, “Modern life has normalised long hours seated be it at work, watching TV, or during commutes. But this study highlights the severe cognitive repercussions of such a lifestyle.”
“It is seen in our clinical practice as well that patients with sedentary behaviour, including being cognitively sedentary, exhibit higher risks of developing dementia.” Adds Dr Aditya N.
While no exact association has been made between physical activity and dementia, exercise is associated with changes in the hippocampus that is important for memory formation.
Dr Sudhir Kumar comments “The study is definitely interesting. However, it’s crucial to understand that while sitting, people can still partake in mentally-stimulating activities.”
Dr Sudhir Kumar recommends reducing the number of sitting hours to six to seven hours, if possible, and also try to avoid sitting at a stretch for more than 30 minutes.
He says that wherever standing is an option, we must avoid sitting. “We have to reduce the total sitting time, which will reduce the risk of stroke, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, etc.”