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Economic Times
11-06-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Exercising daily but sitting for long hours? New study warns your brain may still be shrinking
A recent study from Vanderbilt University's Memory and Alzheimer's Center has highlighted the hidden dangers of prolonged sitting on brain health. Researchers found that older adults who remain sedentary for long periods each day are at increased risk of brain shrinkage and memory decline—even if they regularly exercise. The seven-year study tracked participants using wrist monitors and revealed that those who sat for around 13 hours a day had thinner brain regions tied to memory and Alzheimer's disease. The risk was even greater for individuals carrying the APOE-4 gene, which is linked to a higher chance of developing Alzheimer's. The findings suggest that regular physical activity alone may not be enough to counteract the effects of extended sitting. Researchers say prolonged sitting slows blood flow to the brain, cutting off vital oxygen and nutrients and triggering inflammation that can damage brain cells. Their findings highlight the importance of reducing sitting time and adding regular movement throughout the day to support brain takeaways of the study:People who spend more time sitting or being inactive tend to show: Smaller brain patterns linked to Alzheimer's disease Worse memory performance These effects were stronger or different depending on whether someone carried the APOE-ε4 gene, which is linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's. Over time, those who were more sedentary also experienced: Faster shrinking of the hippocampus, a brain area important for memory Declines in their ability to name things and process information quickly In short: Sitting too much may be bad for your brain health, especially for memory and thinking speed, and could be worse for those with genetic risk factors. They stress that exercise alone isn't enough to undo the effects of extended inactivity. Instead, taking frequent walks, doing stretches, or simply standing up more often can make a big difference. The study shows that even if you exercise regularly, long periods of sitting can still harm your brain—making it crucial to stay active throughout the day. The study is published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Exercising daily but sitting for long hours? New study warns your brain may still be shrinking
Live Events Smaller brain patterns linked to Alzheimer's disease Worse memory performance Faster shrinking of the hippocampus, a brain area important for memory Declines in their ability to name things and process information quickly (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel A recent study from Vanderbilt University's Memory and Alzheimer's Center has highlighted the hidden dangers of prolonged sitting on brain health . Researchers found that older adults who remain sedentary for long periods each day are at increased risk of brain shrinkage and memory decline—even if they regularly seven-year study tracked participants using wrist monitors and revealed that those who sat for around 13 hours a day had thinner brain regions tied to memory and Alzheimer's disease . The risk was even greater for individuals carrying the APOE-4 gene, which is linked to a higher chance of developing Alzheimer's. The findings suggest that regular physical activity alone may not be enough to counteract the effects of extended say prolonged sitting slows blood flow to the brain, cutting off vital oxygen and nutrients and triggering inflammation that can damage brain cells. Their findings highlight the importance of reducing sitting time and adding regular movement throughout the day to support brain takeaways of the study:People who spend more time sitting or being inactive tend to show:These effects were stronger or different depending on whether someone carried the APOE-ε4 gene, which is linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer' time, those who were more sedentary also experienced:In short: Sitting too much may be bad for your brain health, especially for memory and thinking speed, and could be worse for those with genetic risk stress that exercise alone isn't enough to undo the effects of extended inactivity. Instead, taking frequent walks, doing stretches, or simply standing up more often can make a big difference. The study shows that even if you exercise regularly, long periods of sitting can still harm your brain—making it crucial to stay active throughout the study is published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia
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
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Spending hours sitting every day? New research shows it could shrink your brain even if you exercise regularly
Even if you're staying active, spending too much time sitting, whether at your desk or on the couch, could be quietly affecting your brain. New research suggests it might actually lead to shrinkage in areas linked to memory and cognition. Research suggests that sitting for long periods may harm your brain, even if you exercise regularly. In a seven-year study, older adults who sat more showed greater brain shrinkage and mental decline, even when meeting CDC activity guidelines. The findings challenge the idea that regular workouts can undo the damage of too much sitting. (Also read: Doctor warns how mindlessly scrolling social media can seriously impact your memory: 'Your brain is like a chalkboard' ) Researchers at Vanderbilt University's Memory and Alzheimer's Center tracked 404 older adults (average age 71) over seven years using wrist monitors to measure activity levels. Participants averaged 13 hours of sitting daily, a number that adds up quickly with commuting, desk jobs, meals, and downtime. Those who sat more had thinning in brain regions tied to memory and Alzheimer's, along with poorer performance on memory tests. They also experienced faster loss of hippocampal volume, a key brain area for memory that's among the first to decline in Alzheimer's. The study revealed a worrying connection between sitting and brain health, especially for those carrying the APOE-ε4 gene variant, which increases Alzheimer's risk. APOE-ε4 carriers who spent more time sitting saw significantly greater reductions in brain matter, particularly in the frontal and parietal lobes, compared to non-carriers with similar sitting habits. Published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, the research found that these individuals are at higher risk for neurodegeneration linked to sedentary behaviour, regardless of their physical activity levels. Previous studies have linked sitting to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, and this research now adds brain health to that list. Prolonged sitting may harm brain blood vessels, increase inflammation, and disrupt brain cell connections. What makes this study significant is its use of advanced motion sensors that tracked movement 30 times per second, providing more accuracy than self-reported activity levels. This allowed researchers to clearly distinguish between sitting, light movement, and vigorous activity. Participants also completed cognitive assessments and underwent brain scans focusing on brain regions affected by Alzheimer's. Importantly, the study controlled for physical activity, revealing that even with regular exercise, excessive sitting can still negatively impact brain health. With technology, smartphones, AI, and remote everything making daily life more convenient, it's no surprise that people are sitting more than ever. The average older adult spends over nine hours a day seated, according to earlier research cited in the study, and that was before the Covid-19 pandemic, which encouraged even more sedentary habits. For those concerned about brain health, the takeaway is simple: reducing sitting time is just as important as staying active. Incorporating standing desks, regular movement breaks, and more daily activity can make a real difference. Ultimately, it's not just about fitting in a workout, it's also about what you do the rest of the day. Your brain benefits not only from exercise but also from moving more and sitting less.
