Dementia risk is influenced by what we do when sitting
Dementia is more likely to strike older adults (over 60) who spend a lot of time sitting still and watching TV.
However, a study revealed that "reduced passive activity" while sitting can reduce the risk.
The study found that activities like using a computer or reading, which require "significantly more cerebral stimulation," can lessen the detrimental consequences of sitting.
The study was conducted by the researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) and University of Arizona.
It showed that even when people were physically active, the connection between sedentary behaviour and dementia maintained.
However, the type of activity while sitting is key when assessing the potential effect on the brain.
More than 145,000 participants aged 60 or older were asked to complete touchscreen questionnaires about their behaviour between 2006 and 2010.
At the start of the trial, none of them had a diagnosis.
But more than 3,500 positive cases were identified after a follow-up that lasted, on average, 12 years.
And people who were highly physically active saw no change in the outcomes.