Overview

• A seven-year study of over 400 adults aged 50 and older found that extended sitting time is linked to cognitive decline and brain shrinkage, regardless of exercise levels.
• Carriers of the APOE-e4 gene, a known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s, experienced stronger negative effects from sedentary behavior.
• Researchers suggest that prolonged sitting may impair cerebral blood flow, contributing to structural changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
• The study emphasizes the importance of reducing sedentary time through frequent movement breaks, even for individuals meeting physical activity guidelines.
• Published on May 13, 2025, in 'Alzheimer’s & Dementia,' the findings highlight sedentary behavior as a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s prevention.