Study author Gene Alexander, professor of psychology at the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Arizona, said the results challenge the assumption that physical activity counters the effects of sedentary behaviour.
He said: “Although we know that physical activity is good for our brain health, many of us think that if we are more physically active during the day, we can counter the negative effects of time spent sitting.
“Our findings suggest that the brain impacts of sitting during our leisure activities are really separate from how physically active we are […].
“Being more mentally active, like when using computers, may be a key way to help counter the increased risk of dementia related to more passive sedentary behaviours like watching TV.”
