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A comprehensive study conducted by researchers from the UK Biobank, which was published in JAMA, has revealed a concerning link between sedentary behavior and the onset of dementia in older adults. The study, which examined data from nearly 50,000 individuals aged 60 years or older, sheds light on a previously unclear aspect of the relationship between lifestyle and cognitive health.
Sedentary behavior, characterized by extended periods of sitting or low physical activity, has long been associated with various cardiometabolic diseases and increased mortality rates. However, its direct connection to dementia has remained uncertain until now.
The retrospective study, utilizing prospectively collected data, tracked participants from February 2013 to September 2021 in England, July 2021 in Scotland, and February 2018 in Wales. None of the individuals included in the study had a prior diagnosis of dementia at the time they wore wrist accelerometers, which were used to monitor their activity levels.
The results of the study revealed a substantial correlation between time spent in sedentary behavior and the incidence of dementia. The research team discovered a significant non-linear relationship, with the hazard ratios (HRs) for dementia increasing as daily sedentary behavior extended beyond the median of 9.27 hours. Specifically, HRs were 1.08 for 10 hours per day, 1.63 for 12 hours, and a striking 3.21 for 15 hours of sedentary behavior per day.
According to reserachers “These findings underscore the importance of reducing sedentary time, particularly among older adults. The implications for public health are significant, as we may need to rethink how we approach sedentary behavior in relation to cognitive health.”
Moreover, the study delved into secondary analyses, considering factors such as mean daily sedentary bout length and maximum daily sedentary bout length. These measures were also found to be significantly associated with a higher risk of incident dementia, reinforcing the overall conclusion of the study.
However, it’s worth noting that the number of sedentary bouts per day did not exhibit a significant correlation with an increased risk of dementia. This suggests that the total time spent in sedentary behavior, rather than the frequency of breaks, may be a more critical factor in understanding its impact on cognitive health.
The research team emphasized the need for further investigation to determine if the observed association between sedentary behavior and dementia is indeed causal. Future studies may delve into potential underlying mechanisms and explore interventions to mitigate the risk.
As the global population continues to age, understanding and addressing factors that contribute to cognitive decline become increasingly crucial. This study serves as a significant step forward in unraveling the complex relationship between lifestyle choices and cognitive health among older adults.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the research findings of the UK Biobank study, and any lifestyle or medical decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
