A person has many ways to escape the real world after a busy day.
Whether it’s binge watching the latest television series or reading a good book. However, scientists warn that your daily habits could have a bigger impact than you realize, especially when it comes to brain health.
A recent study conducted by the University of South Australia examined the typical activities of 397 older adults over 24-hour periods.
Researchers sought to understand how various everyday tasks may contribute to cognitive decline and risk factors for dementia.
The findings brought encouraging news for avid readers and socialites, as reading, crafting, having conversations, listening to music and even praying benefited brain health.
However, research shows that playing video games and watching TV for hours can be harmful.
Dr. Maddison Mellow, who led the study, said: “We found that sedentary behaviors that promote mental stimulation or social engagement, such as reading or talking to friends, are beneficial for cognitive function, while other behaviors, such as watching TV or gaming, have a negative effect. So the type of activity is important.”
“And while the ‘move more, sit less’ message certainly applies to cardiometabolic and brain health, our research shows that a more nuanced approach is needed when it comes to thinking about the link between sedentary behavior and cognitive functioning,” she added.
Dementia includes a range of symptoms related to the progressive deterioration of brain function, as defined by the NHS.
Nearly a million people in Britain currently suffer from dementia, approximately one in eleven people over the age of 65.
Ahead of the holidays, Dr Mellow explained: “To achieve the best benefits for brain and physical health, prioritize exercise that is enjoyable and increases heart rate, as this has benefits for all aspects of health. But even small time changes of five minutes can have benefits.”
“So if you’re really in the mood for a Christmas movie marathon, try breaking that time up at some point with some physical activity or a more cognitively active sedentary activity, like reading. That way you can slowly build healthier habits,” she concluded about dementia.
