This Common Habit is “KILLING” Your Brain
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 15, 2023
You do IT daily.
In fact, multiple times and maybe for hours at a go.
After all, it’s only natural.
But disturbing new research reveals the longer you do this everyday “activity,” the more your risk for developing dementia rises.
It turns out sitting could be quietly killing your brain.
Scientists have uncovered troubling connections between being sedentary and cognitive decline later in life.
Now, new research reveals that the LESS time you spend moving, the greater your risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s.
The study published in the journal JAMA shows that being more sedentary, like sitting for long periods, raises your risk.
The scientists used step counter (accelerometer) data to discover that folks over 60 who spend more than 10 hours a day being inactive are at a higher risk of dementia compared with those who sit less.
This isn’t the first study to link sedentary behavior and brain health, of course. But, it answered one of the biggest questions that remained.
And that is, “How MUCH sitting (or time being sedentary) is bad?”
- 10 hours daily was associated with an 8 percent increase in dementia risk.
- 12 hours was linked with a 63 percent increase in dementia risk.
Our brains rely on regular movement to function at FULL capacity as we age.
So, for every hour you spend on your couch, you could be chipping away at your mental fitness in the future.
Scientists believe that reductions in brain blood flow might be behind the problem.
Plus, there’s also a well-known link between sitting and heart disease, which likely also plays a role in a higher risk for dementia.
Making an effort to sit less NOW can pay off with a sharper mind in the FUTURE.
The reality is our jobs, volunteer activities, or even watching a favorite show or movie may require us to sit for longer periods. So just be sure to get up and move every half an hour.
If you’re having trouble getting motivated or simply REMEMBERING to get up, a fitness tracker with a built-in movement reminder can help.
Don’t let your desk job or love of the couch today put your cognitive function at risk tomorrow.
And another thing…
Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily…
5 Superfoods BLOW Away the Winter Blues
Battling the winter blues? Discover five mood-boosting “superfoods” to get you OVER this hump and INTO the holiday spirit.
Common Supplement Could Combat Long COVID
Finding solutions for “long COVID” symptoms like fatigue is challenging. But, research suggests a simple supplement could come to the rescue.
Most people walk into surgery without much prep. But if you have a surgery in your future, new research reveals how you can bounce back FAST.
Natural Fix Dials DOWN Pollution Damage
A new study reveals a simple solution to DIAL DOWN the damaging effects of pollution that may have been staring us in the face all along.
MAILBAG: Take a DEEP Breath with Natural COPD Solutions
It’s not easy to fix COPD-damaged lungs. But there IS a lot you can do to naturally improve lung function to breathe… AND feel… better fast.
“Fountain of Youth” Discovery REWINDS Age!
Disappointed by failed fountain-of-youth promises? Folks eating THIS for just six months had their biological clocks REWOUND!
IS YOUR Water Contaminated with PFAS? Find Out
It’s estimated that PFAS chemicals are in the blood of 97% of Americans. Find out if these toxins are in your water and lower your risk of exposure.
P.S. This overlooked health measurement could SAVE your life!
Source:
Cao Z, et Al., “Leucocyte telomere length, brain volume and risk of dementia: a prospective cohort study,” General Psychiatry 2023;36:e101120. doi: 10.1136 /gpsych-2023-101120
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Two-Week Diet Switch Transforms Your Health
You know how you feel sluggish and “off” after a vacation filled with fast foods and processed snacks? Well, it’s not all in your head (or merely guilt). When you switch to an unhealthy Western-style diet, there are physical consequences—and they kick in faster than you might think… The Western diet is characterized by ultra-processed...
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...
Can Your “Poop Schedule” Predict Disease?
We all do it. If you’re alive, you poop. Some of us are so regular that we could set a clock based on our bathroom habits. Others, not so much. And yet, talking about bowel movements remains one of those taboo topics. Even your doctor skims over it during your annual checkup! But the truth...