Latest news with #Alzheimer's&Dementia
NDTV
21-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Excessive Sitting May Shrink Your Brain, Even If You Exercise Regularly: Study
A recent study led by researchers at Vanderbilt University's Memory and Alzheimer's Centre has shed light on the alarming effects of prolonged sitting on brain health. Despite regular exercise, older adults who spend extended periods sitting are at risk of faster brain shrinkage and memory decline. The study, which tracked participants over seven years, found that even those who exercised for 150 minutes a week experienced brain decline if they sat for long hours. The research, which involved participants wearing wrist monitors to track their movement, revealed that those who sat for an average of 13 hours a day had thinner brains in areas linked to memory and Alzheimer's disease. The study also found that individuals carrying the APOE-4 gene, which raises the risk of Alzheimer's, were more susceptible to the negative effects of sitting. According to the researchers, prolonged sitting slows down blood flow to the brain, reducing oxygen and nutrient supply and leading to inflammation that can harm brain cells. The study's findings suggest that reducing sitting time and incorporating regular movement throughout the day can help protect brain health. The researchers emphasise that exercise alone cannot counteract the effects of prolonged sitting, and that frequent walks, stretches, or standing breaks can make a significant difference. With the study revealing that even regular exercise cannot erase the damage caused by hours of inactivity, it's essential to prioritise movement throughout the day. The study is published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, highlighting the importance of addressing this critical issue to promote brain health and prevent cognitive decline.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Common 'daily activity' linked to rapid shrinking of brain in young people (even working out doesn't cut it)
This is the era of more mental labour than manual labour for the youth. Sitting behind the screens for hours, then rewinding either at the gaming console or on the couch while binge-watching a series on some OTT platform. Whatever we choose to do throughout the day, it involves sitting for hours on end is fairly constant. And that can not only negatively impact health, increasing the risk of various conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, but also can lead to muscle weakness, spinal stress, and reduced circulation, affecting mental well-being and cognitive function . In fact, recent research has highlighted the potential negative impact of prolonged sitting on brain health , even among those who engage in regular exercise. What does the research say? Conducted by researchers at Vanderbilt University's Memory and Alzheimer's Center and published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia , the study examined the relationship between sitting time, physical activity, and brain health in older adults over a seven-year period. The findings of the research indicate that extended periods of sitting, regardless of exercise habits, can contribute to brain shrinkage. Participants who exercised for the recommended 150 minutes per week still experienced noticeable brain volume loss if they spent long hours sitting. On average, these individuals sat for approximately 13 hours each day, which is a significant duration spent in sedentary positions such as at desks, on couches, or in cars. The study particularly identified concerning outcomes for individuals carrying the APOE-ε4 gene, a known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Among these individuals, prolonged sitting was associated with greater loss of gray matter in crucial brain areas, including the frontal and parietal lobes—regions integral to decision-making and memory recall. As a result, those with the APOE-ε4 gene demonstrated greater difficulties in memory tasks, such as recalling words and identifying objects swiftly. What are the findings? The mechanisms behind these findings suggest that long periods of sitting impede blood flow to the brain, resulting in reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery essential for maintaining healthy brain cells. Additionally, sedentary behavior can lead to increased inflammation, further exacerbating potential brain cell damage, especially for those with genetic predispositions. The longitudinal aspect of the study, which included real-time data collection using wrist monitors and MRI scans, reinforced the notion that even consistent exercise cannot fully offset the detrimental effects of excessive sitting. With more time spent in a sedentary state correlating to faster brain shrinkage, researchers emphasize the importance of incorporating regular movement into daily routines. What's the resolution? To mitigate the risks associated with prolonged sitting, experts recommend breaking up periods of inactivity with short walks, stretches, or standing breaks throughout the day. Simple actions like standing during phone calls or walking while checking emails can greatly contribute to brain health. In conclusion, the research underscores the critical need to reduce sitting time to protect brain health, particularly in older adults and those at genetic risk for Alzheimer's. Adopting a more active lifestyle and integrating regular movement into daily activities can play a significant role in maintaining cognitive function and minimizing brain decline. 15-minute hip mobility yoga flow One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Why exercise alone can't undo sitting's damage: The science of ‘active sitting' and how it can improve brain health
If you have a job requiring you to sit for long hours, then this important information is for you. A recent study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, provides a shocking revelation of facts. This study revealed alarming evidence that prolonged hours of sitting can cause brain damage. Yes! It is possible, even for the people who exercise regularly, this is quite possible. The common belief behind hitting the gym and exercising daily has nothing to do with this. This study challenges the perception that practising yoga or exercising will keep you healthy. This futuristic research highlights that sedentary behaviour is a serious issue and a huge threat to brain health , demanding new strategies beyond just exercising. The science of 'Active sitting' With prolonged working hours, it is not possible to roam around freely, instead, you have to take short breaks to avoid interrupted blood flow to the brain . This is what active sitting is for. The art of active sitting means incorporating small bouts of activity like standing up, stretching and walking short distances or even standing on your desk, might help. These frequent interruptions counteract the cognitive decline linked to prolonged sitting. Experts suggest moving every 30 minutes, even sparing a few minutes from your hectic schedule, is enough to support your brain health. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Term plan with 99.17% Claim Settlement Ratio for FY24! ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo This method of active sitting creates a dynamic environment that supports brain health beyond traditional workouts and combats shrinking linked to sedentary lifestyles. Why exercise falls short Exercise undeniably benefits the body and brain function by increasing the blood flow, promoting the growth of new brain cells and improving cognitive functions. Hence, the problem lies in the duration and continuity of sitting for hours. This study says that even if you have an exercising body, sitting uninterrupted for the remaining hours slows body metabolism and reduces blood circulation to the brain. This sedentary time negatively affects the hippocampus of the brain, the region which controls the memory and learning part, ultimately causing it to shrink. So, the traditional workout alone cannot reverse the harm that is caused by many hours of sitting continuously. This study reveals that when you spend hours sitting, blood flow slows down, especially to the critical areas of the brain, limiting oxygen and nutrients. This stagnation contributes to tissue loss and shrinking brain volume, effects that exercise alone cannot fully counterbalance. What does brain shrinkage due to sitting mean for you Brain shrinkage caused by prolonged sitting affects critical areas that are responsible for memory and cognitive function, leading to issues like forgetfulness, slower thinking and an exaggerated risk of dementia. This means sedentary behaviour and jobs are silent dangers to brain health. Take a stand, stretch, or take a walk every 30 minutes to interrupt your sitting and protect your brain. Cognitive health and reducing long-term risk can be maintained through the active seating options of balance cushions, standing workstations, and small movement during the day. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Alalam24
16-05-2025
- Health
- Alalam24
A Common Virus May Trigger Alzheimer's Disease
In a compelling development with new medical implications, a recent study has revealed a potentially alarming link between a common virus—often dismissed as harmless—and Alzheimer's disease, which continues to puzzle scientists. According to the British newspaper The Daily Mail, cytomegalovirus (CMV)—a virus that causes mild cold-like symptoms in about half of all adults—may play a hidden role in accelerating the onset of Alzheimer's. This virus, which quietly resides in the body, can in some individuals cause a chronic intestinal infection that allows it to enter the bloodstream and eventually reach the brain. Once there, it is detected by immune cells in the brain, known as microglia, which begin to react in a way that may gradually contribute to the biological changes associated with Alzheimer's disease. Scientists have expressed cautious optimism about these findings, calling them 'promising,' as they could pave the way for new treatment possibilities—particularly through exploring whether commonly used antiviral drugs might help prevent this complex form of dementia. At the same time, the researchers emphasized that being exposed to the virus—something that applies to nearly everyone—is not a reason for alarm or panic. Additionally, the results of this study were published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, lending scientific credibility to the discovery and highlighting the importance of continuing this line of research, which could significantly shift our understanding of Alzheimer's risk factors. Nevertheless, the road ahead is still long, and future studies will be crucial in determining whether this scientific hypothesis can lead to a reliable therapeutic approach to one of the most complex neurological diseases.
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
You really can sleep too much, as scientists reveal most ‘dangerous' number of hours slumber to get a night
Plus, exactly how your sleep routine can impact your weight SNOOZE YOU LOSE You really can sleep too much, as scientists reveal most 'dangerous' number of hours slumber to get a night Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WE all know sleep is important - but some new research is making people rethink how much you really need. Sleeping too much has been linked to poorer brain performance, especially for those with depression. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Your lie-ins could be damaging your brain Credit: Getty Scientists from the US, looked at nearly 2,000 adults from the Framingham Heart Study to see how sleep affects brain function. Everyone was free from dementia and stroke, and ages ranged from late 20s to mid-80s. They found that people who slept longer than what's usually recommended did worse on memory and thinking tests. This was even more true for people showing signs of depression. The current National Sleep Foundation guidelines recommend that most adults sleep for between seven and nine hours per night. Countless studies have shown that both too little and too much sleep can harm your health. Not getting enough sleep is linked to problems like poor memory, weakened immune function, and higher risks of heart disease and diabetes. But this new study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia revealed that too much sleep might also hurt your brain. The research, led by the University of Texas Health Science Center, found that long sleep - but not short sleep - was linked to poorer overall thinking skills, including problem-solving. 'Long but not short sleep duration was associated with poorer global cognition and specific cognitive abilities like memory, visuospatial skills and executive functions,' said Sudha Seshadri, founding director of the Biggs Institute and senior author of the study. I spent three days at a sleep retreat - these are the top 7 things I learnt The link between long sleep and cognitive decline was even stronger in people showing signs of depression, no matter if they were taking antidepressants or not. 'Long-sleepers were more likely to report symptoms of depression,' said Vanessa Young, clinical research project manager and first author of the study. 'Sleep may be a modifiable risk for cognitive decline in people with depression.' About 90 per cent of people with depression experience sleep problems, with many of them sleeping longer than people without the condition. This means their sleep patterns could directly affect how well their brain works over time. 'Sleep may be a modifiable risk for cognitive decline in people with depression," Vanessa Young, clinical research project manager, who also worked on the study, added. The experts say more studies are needed to understand how long sleep affects the brain over time, particularly in people with depression. For now, they advise aiming for balanced sleep — not too little, not too much — to keep your brain sharp.
