Does Watching TV Increase Dementia Risk?

New research from the University of South Australia (UniSA) sheds light on the relationship between sedentary activities and cognitive health, revealing that the type of sedentary behavior plays a signifcant role in maintaining brain function.

The study, which assessed the 24-hour activity patterns of 397 older adults aged 60 and above, underscores that not all sitting activities are equal when it comes to protecting cognitive abilities.

Which Activities Beneft Brain Health?

The fndings reveal that sedentary activities involving mental stimulation or social engagement — such as reading, crafting, listening to music, praying, playing a musical instrument, or chatting with others — are benefcial for memory and thinking skills.

ROBERT HEYWARD

A groundbreaking study from UNSW reveals that social factors play a crucial role in determining dementia risk, highlighting the need to look beyond genetics and lifestyle when addressing cognitive health.

According to Dementia Australia, over 421,000 Australians are currently living with dementia, a fgure projected to more than double to 812,500 by 2054. As dementia is set to become the nation’s leading cause of death, the study underscores the importance of considering social determinants as part of comprehensive prevention strategies.

The Role of Social Factors in Dementia Risk

Published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, the UNSW study identifes key social determinants — including marital status, living

In contrast, passive behaviors like watching television or playing video games were found to have a detrimental effect on cognitive health.

According to researchers, there appears to be a hierarchy in how different sedentary activities impact the brain. Some activities support cognitive function, while others may increase the risk of decline. This insight is crucial, especially since approximately 45% of dementia cases are potentially preventable through modifable lifestyle factors.

Why Context Matters

Dr. Maddison Mellow, a UniSA researcher, emphasized the importance of understanding the context of sedentary behaviors.

“We discovered that the context of an activity signifcantly infuences how it relates to cognitive function. Activities that encourage mental stimulation or social interaction, such as reading or conversing with friends, are far more benefcial than passive activities like TV watching or gaming.”

While physical activity remains a top recommendation for reducing dementia risk, Dr. Mellow highlighted that even swapping one sedentary activity for a more engaging one could improve brain health.

“Our fndings suggest a need for a more nuanced approach. For brain health, the message isn’t just about ‘moving more and sitting less’ — it’s about choosing activities that engage the mind and foster connection.” How to Support Cognitive Health

Taking care of your brain doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes. Small, intentional adjustments can have lasting benefts: Prioritize enjoyable physical activities: Regular movement that gets the heart rate up is highly protective for both brain and physical health.

Make time swaps: Replace some passive activities with mentally or socially stimulating ones. For instance, swap an hour of TV for reading, crafting, or talking with a friend.

Incorporate movement breaks: Even during a movie marathon or a gaming session, break up prolonged sitting with fve-minute stretches or short bursts of physical activity.

“Every small change counts,” Dr. Mellow advised. “Even minor shifts, like choosing a book over bingewatching, can build healthier habits over time.”

Building a Cognitive Health Routine

With dementia risks largely infuenced by lifestyle choices, integrating stimulating sedentary activities