Overview

• Neurologists on the eve of World Brain Day have equated prolonged sitting to smoking in its potential to harm brain structure and function.
• Physical inactivity lowers levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the hippocampus, triggering shrinkage of the medial temporal lobe and white matter damage.
• Inactivity also fuels weight gain, insulin resistance, high blood pressure and cholesterol imbalances, which boost risks of stroke, vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
• They advise at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five days a week, use of stairs or standing desks, plus 7–8 hours of restful sleep each night to maintain neuroplasticity and toxin clearance.
• Neurologists warn of rising neurological issues in adults as young as 30 and urge regular cognitive screenings, mental stimulation and stress management to catch early warning signs.