Summary: New study shows that some sedentary activities, like reading or constructing, are better for mental health than others, such as watching Television or entertainment. According to a review of 397 older adults, passive display time is associated with cognitive decline, whereas intellectually stimulating and politically interesting activities support memory and thinking abilities.
This information is essential, as 45 % of memory cases are linked to customizable lifestyle factors. Researchers advise switching out passive activities for more interesting ones to safeguard brain health, yet during extravagant holiday marathons.
Essential Information
- Mental Benefits: Reading and social wedding improve brain function, unlike quiet screen time.
- Unavoidable Risk: 45 % of dementia cases may be reduced through life changes.
- Good Swaps: Little action changes, like breaking up Television period with reading or motion, benefit the brain.
Origin: University of South Australia
It’s that time of year when most of us have the opportunity to unwind and take some well-deserved rest. But whether you reach for the TV joystick, or a favorite book, your choice may have relevance for your long-term mental health, say experts at the , University of South Australia.
Researchers found that the environment or level of activity you engage in affects mental health when they examine the 24-hour action patterns of 397 older people ( over 60 years old ). And specifically, that some sedentary ( or sitting ) behaviours are better for cognitive function than others.
When looking at different passive habits, they found that cultural or cognitively stimulating activities such as reading, listening to music, praying, crafting, playing a musical instrument, or chatting with people are helpful for memory and thinking skills. But watching TV or playing video games are harmful.
According to researchers, there is probably a hierarchy of passive behavior relationships to mental function, with some having positive effects and others having negative ones.
It’s a valuable information that may help lower the risk of cognitive impairment, especially since at least 45 % of dementia cases may be prevented through customizable lifestyle factors.
In Australia, about 411, 100 people ( or one in every 1000 people ) are living with dementia. Almost two-thirds are people.  , Globally, the , World Health Organization , estimates that more than 55 million persons have memory with nearly 10 million new cases each year.
UniSA researcher , Dr Maddison Mellow , says that not all inactive attitudes are similar when it comes to memory and thinking ability.
According to Dr. Mellow,” We found that the perspective of an exercise can affect how it relates to brain function, with various activities offering varying degrees of cognitive stimulation and interpersonal engagement,” according to Dr. Mellow.
” We already know that physical exercise is a powerful protector against dementia danger, and this should definitely be prioritized if you are trying to improve your mental health. However, we haven’t specifically examined whether switching from one lethargic behavior to another can improve our mental health.
We found that passive behaviors that promote intellectual stimulation or cultural relationship, such as reading or talking to friends, are useful for mental work, while others like watching Television or gaming have a detrimental effect. Therefore, the type of activity is important.
” And while the’move more, stay less’ sentiment holds true for cardiovascular and brain health,” our research suggests that a more complex perspective is required when examining the connection between sedentary behavior and cognitive function.
What words of wisdom do scientists have for those who truly want to watch a myriad of Christmas films or watch a workout of Modern Family as the holidays approach?
According to Dr. Mellow, “you should prioritize moving that’s entertaining and causes the heart rate to rise in order to get the best mind health and physical health benefits.” This has benefits for all aspects of health.
” But also small five-minute time transfers does have advantages. But, if you’re dead set on having a Christmas movie workout, try to break up that time with some physical exercise or a more cognition engaged seated exercise, like studying, at some point. You can gradually develop healthier habits in this manner.
This research was conducted by a team of UniSA researchers including: Dr Maddison Mellow,  , Prof Dot Dumuid,  , Dr Alexandra Wade,  , Prof Tim Olds,  , Dr Ty Stanford,  , Prof Hannah Keage, and , Assoc Prof Ashleigh Smith, with researchers from the University of Leicester, and the University of Newcastle.
About this research in neuroscience and brain health
Author: Annabel Mansfield
Source: University of South Australia
Contact: Annabel Mansfield – University of South Australia
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
” Should We Work More Healthily or Hardly for Our Health?” A Comparison of Intensity and Domain-Based Time-Use Compositions and Their Associations With Cognitive and Cardiometabolic Health” by Maddison Mellow , et al. A series of journals of gerontology
Abstract
Should We Put Our Health at Risk? Comparison of domain- and intensity-based time-use factors and their correlations with cognitive and cardiovascular health
Background
Each day is made up of a composition of “time-use behaviors”. These can be classified by their intensity (eg, light or moderate–vigorous physical activity]PA] ) or domain (eg, chores, socializing ). Intensity-based time-use behaviors are linked with cognitive function and cardiometabolic health in older adults, but it is unknown whether these relationships differ depending on the domain ( or type/context ) of behavior.
Methods
This study included 397 older adults ( 65.5 ± 3.0 years, 69 % female, 16.0± 3.0 years education ) from Adelaide and Newcastle, Australia. Time-use behaviors were recorded using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults, cognitive function was measured using the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III and Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and waist–hip ratio were also recorded.
Two 24-hour time-use compositions were derived from each participant’s Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults, including a 4-part intensity composition ( sleep, sedentary behavior, light, and moderate–vigorous PA ) and an 8-part domain composition ( Sleep, Self-Care, Chores, Screen Time, Quiet Time, Household Administration, Sport/Exercise, and Social ).
Results
Linear regressions found significant associations between the domain composition and both Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III ( p = .010 ) and waist–hip ratio ( p = .009 ), and between the intensity composition and waist–hip ratio ( p = .025 ). The effects of sedentary behaviors and PA on their associations with Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III were demonstrated by isotemporal substitution modeling, but any PA that appeared beneficial for waist–hip ratio appeared to be beneficial.
Conclusions
Findings suggest that when attempting to support cognitive function, the behavior domain should be taken into account, whereas it seems sufficient to support any type of PA for cardiometabolic health.
