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(NewsNation) — Regularly spending hours in front of the TV could have lasting effects on brain health, according to new research that links heavy television viewing in midlife to changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
The study, published in Alzheimer’s Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, followed more than 1,700 people for nearly 24 years. Researchers tracked participants’ television viewing habits in midlife before later examining their brains using MRI scans.
The findings showed that men who frequently watched television had similar brain volumes in areas vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease, more white matter damage associated with cognitive decline and dementia and smaller frontal and occipital lobes, which are involved in decision-making, planning and visual processing. Researchers didn’t find the same association in women.
Surprisingly, the study found that people whose jobs required them to sit for long periods didn’t show the same brain changes, suggesting not all sedentary behavior affects the brain equally.
“Sedentary behavior has become a major part of modern life, but not all sedentary activities are the same,” lead author Natan Feter, Ph.D., said. “Spending an hour reading a book is very different from spending an hour passively watching television.”
Researchers also found the results were not explained by differences in physical activity, meaning regular exercise didn’t eliminate the association between heavy TV watching and the observed brain changes.
Feter told Science Alert the stronger link in men could stem from differences in viewing habits, with men tending to watch television for longer, uninterrupted stretches. Hormonal and biological differences may also contribute.
The study didn’t distinguish between types of television programming, though Prevention reported documentaries, educational programs and complex dramas may be more mentally engaging than passive viewing.
Anna Hohler, M.D., director of neurology for Northwell in Westchester, told Prevention to use closed captions, discuss shows with others and incorporate light exercise such as walking on a treadmill, stretching and using a stationary bike while watching TV to make the activity more cognitively and physically engaging.
Experts emphasized that television itself is not necessarily harmful. Instead, they say the biggest concern is when long periods of passive screen time replace exercise, social interaction, learning, or other mentally stimulating activities that support long-term brain health.
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