Even those who exercised regularly showed declines in memory, language, and information processing when they spent more time sitting.
A new seven-year study has found that older adults who spend more time sitting each day face faster brain shrinkage and cognitive decline—even if they meet exercise guidelines.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University’s Memory and Alzheimer’s Center tracked 404 participants, average age 71, using wrist-worn activity monitors. They discovered that people who sat an average of 13 hours daily had significant thinning in brain areas tied to Alzheimer’s disease, including the hippocampus.
“APOE-ε4 carriers appear to be at increased risk for neurodegeneration associated with greater sedentary behavior, independent of physical activity level,” the study reported.
Even those who exercised regularly showed declines in memory, language, and information processing when they spent more time sitting.
Most concerning, participants carrying the Alzheimer’s-linked APOE-ε4 gene experienced steeper drops in brain volume and cognitive scores.
Researchers believe prolonged sitting may impair brain blood flow, increase inflammation, and weaken neural connections.
The study underscores a key finding: exercise alone isn’t enough. Reducing sedentary time—through standing desks, short walks, or routine movement—is critical to protecting brain health.
With older adults now averaging over 9 hours of sitting daily, experts warn that daily activity between workouts may be just as vital as the workouts themselves.