Researchers have found some sedentary behaviours, such as TV-watching, are linked to an increased risk of dementia and that replacing these with mentally active sedentary behaviours including reading can lower that risk in older adults.   

Analysing Swedish National March Cohort data from more than 20,800 adults (aged 50–64 years) over 19 years, the researchers examined how different types of sedentary behaviours impacted long-term cognitive health and dementia rates. They found that each additional hour per day of mentally active sedentary behaviour was associated with a 4% lower risk of developing dementia (CI=0.93, 0.98). There was a significant age interaction, indicating a higher protective effect of mentally active sedentary behaviour among older participants.  

The study was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.