A study from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) indicates that excessive sitting may contribute to brain shrinkage, particularly in areas critical for memory. Researchers found that sedentary behavior, common in modern lifestyles, is associated with thinning of the medial temporal lobe, a brain region essential for forming new memories.
The study, published in PLOS ONE, involved 35 adults aged 45 to 75. Participants reported their daily sitting hours and underwent MRI scans to assess brain structure. Those who sat for extended periods—up to 15 hours daily—showed greater thinning in the medial temporal lobe compared to those with less sedentary time. This thinning could increase risks for cognitive decline and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Lead researcher Dr. Prabha Siddarth emphasized that while the study doesn’t prove causation, the correlation suggests reducing sitting time could benefit brain health. Physical activity, even light movement, may help counteract these effects. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating regular movement into daily routines to support cognitive function as we age.