Even 150 Minutes of Weekly Exercise Isn't Enough... The Dementia Risk Threatening Office Workers

Longer Sitting Time Increases Risk of Developing Alzheimer's Disease

A new study has found that sitting or lying down for extended periods can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, even for those who exercise regularly.

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The UK’s Daily Mail recently reported that researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the United States published findings in the international journal "Alzheimer's & Dementia" indicating that exercise does not significantly help prevent Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is a degenerative neurological disorder in which abnormal proteins (amyloid beta protein and tau protein) accumulate in the brain, gradually killing nerve cells. It is known that 50 to 60 percent of all dementia cases are due to Alzheimer's disease.

The researchers tracked and observed more than 400 adults over the age of 50 who showed no symptoms of Alzheimer's. During the study period, participants wore wrist-worn devices to record their daily activity levels. After measuring the participants' average activity, the researchers conducted cognitive ability tests and brain scans seven years later.

The results showed that people who spent long hours sitting or lying down every day scored lower on cognitive function tests, regardless of how much they exercised. In addition, the size of the hippocampus, which is essential for memory and learning, was significantly reduced. Shrinkage of the hippocampus is one of the main symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Notably, nine out of ten participants exercised for 150 minutes a week, yet these results were still observed. The risk was especially pronounced in people who carried the APOE-e4 gene, a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's. ApoE4 is a variant of the Apolipoprotein E gene associated with Alzheimer's disease, and it is known to be present in about one in fifty people. It has also been reported that well-known Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth carries this genotype.

Dr. Marissa Gogniat, the study's lead author, explained, "This shows that it is important to avoid prolonged sitting, even if you are healthy and active," adding, "Even if you exercise daily, minimizing the amount of time you spend sitting can reduce your chances of developing Alzheimer's disease."

While the study did not identify the exact mechanism by which sitting time increases the risk of Alzheimer's, the researchers hypothesized that prolonged sitting may impede blood flow to the brain, which could, over time, lead to structural changes in organs that affect Alzheimer's disease.

Co-author Professor Angela Jefferson emphasized, "This study highlights the importance of reducing sitting time, especially for older adults with a high genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease," and added, "Breaking the habit of sitting all day and increasing your physical activity is extremely important for brain health."

To reduce sitting time in daily life, you can stand up and stretch or walk around regularly during work, use a standing desk, use public transportation more often, or walk short distances instead of driving.