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Engaging in mentally stimulating activities during downtime, such as reading or crafting, can significantly benefit brain health, according to a new Australian study conducted by the University of South Australia (UniSA).
The research highlights that not all sedentary behaviors are equally harmful. While prolonged sitting has been associated with cognitive decline, the study found that certain seated activities—such as reading, playing musical instruments, crafting, or engaging in conversations—can actually enhance memory and thinking abilities. In contrast, passive activities like watching television or playing video games were found to be detrimental to cognitive function.
Key Findings
The study, which assessed 24-hour activity patterns of 397 adults aged 60 and older, discovered a clear link between mentally or socially stimulating activities and better brain health.
Maddison Mellow, a co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of understanding these findings within the broader context of dementia prevention.
“We already know that physical activity is a strong protector against dementia risk, and this should certainly be prioritized if you are trying to improve your brain health. But until now, we hadn’t directly explored whether we can benefit our brain health by swapping one sedentary behavior for another,” Mellow told Xinhua News Agency.
Recommendations for Better Brain Health
The researchers suggest that breaking up time spent on passive activities such as watching TV or gaming with short bursts of physical activity or more cognitively engaging sedentary tasks could help protect brain function. Mellow recommended incorporating five-minute intervals of either movement or mentally stimulating seated activities into daily routines to promote cognitive health.
Dementia: A Growing Global Concern
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed annually. In Australia alone, around 411,100 people are affected by dementia, with women accounting for nearly two-thirds of the cases.
This research underscores the importance of a nuanced approach when addressing sedentary behaviors. While the well-known ‘move more, sit less’ message remains vital for cardiovascular and brain health, the UniSA team’s findings show that the type of sedentary activity also plays a critical role.
The study was conducted by a multidisciplinary team of researchers, including Mellow, Prof Dot Dumuid, Dr Alexandra Wade, Prof Tim Olds, Dr Ty Stanford, Prof Hannah Keage, and Associate Prof Ashleigh Smith from UniSA, alongside collaborators from the University of Leicester and the University of Newcastle.
Practical Takeaways
For individuals seeking to maintain or improve their cognitive function, the study offers a simple yet effective strategy: prioritize mentally and socially engaging activities during downtime. Whether it’s reading, playing an instrument, or having meaningful conversations, these habits could help stave off cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia.
With dementia cases continuing to rise globally, this research provides hope that small lifestyle changes could make a significant difference in maintaining brain health as we age.
