Sitting too long increases the risk of brain atrophy and cognitive decline despite exercise.

Scientists recommend that office workers incorporate movement into their daily routines beyond workouts - such as standing up, stretching or taking a short walk after long periods of sitting.

According to a VNA reporter in Tel Aviv, a seven-year study published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia revealed the negative impact of prolonged sitting on brain health, even in people who still maintain regular exercise habits.

Research shows that prolonged sitting can lead to brain atrophy and cognitive decline — especially in areas involved in memory and decision-making — regardless of exercise intensity.

Over the course of seven years, scientists monitored the activity levels of 404 volunteers aged 50 and older, according to the Jerusalem Post.

Participants were asked to wear wristbands that accurately measured how much time they spent moving and sitting throughout the day. They also underwent a series of neuropsychological and psychological tests and brain scans to assess changes in brain structure and cognitive function.

This approach allows analysis of the long-term impact of a sedentary lifestyle on brain health.

Remarkably, 87% of participants met physical activity recommendations – at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

However, the study found that people who spent more time sitting still showed clear signs of cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. In particular, the hippocampus - an area that plays a key role in memory and is one of the first areas affected by Alzheimer's - was significantly thinner.

“The study confirms that reducing sitting time may be a promising strategy to prevent decline in neurological and cognitive function,” said the study’s lead author, Vanderbilt University (USA).

This suggests that simply following exercise guidelines is not enough to protect the brain from the harmful effects of prolonged sitting.

Neuroscientist Marissa Gogniat (University of Pittsburgh) also emphasized the importance of limiting sedentary behavior: “Reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease is not simply a matter of exercising every day."

According to her, reducing the amount of time spent sitting each day plays an essential role in slowing down age-related cognitive decline.

Previous studies have linked sitting to heart disease, diabetes and cancer. This new research adds neurodegenerative diseases – such as Alzheimer’s – to the list of serious health consequences associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

The study results are especially noteworthy for people who work in offices or regularly sit for long periods of time.

Scientists recommend incorporating movement into your daily routine outside of your workouts — such as standing up, stretching or taking a short walk after long periods of sitting.

These small changes can contribute to improved brain health and help prevent cognitive decline.

The study also warned that even people with a high genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease could be at risk if they maintain a sedentary lifestyle./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/ngoi-qua-lau-lam-tang-nguy-co-teo-nao-suy-giam-nhan-thuc-cho-du-co-tap-the-duc-post1041873.vnp