Sitting for long periods of time is seriously damaging to the brain: programmers and office workers are at risk

In our modern world, constant work with computers and gadgets has become commonplace. However, sitting at a desk for hours without moving is not at all harmless. Recent studies conducted by specialists from the American Center for Memory and Alzheimer's Disease have become a great solution and lesson in this matter: sitting for a long time can eventually lead to serious brain damage.

During a seven-year observation of 404 elderly people, participants were given "smart" watches, they regularly underwent MRI scans of the brain, and took memory and thinking tests. The analysis showed that those who spent an average of more than 13 hours a day sitting, passively, experienced a decrease in brain volume and episodic memory. In particular, symptoms characteristic of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases developed faster.

Most notably, high physical activity, even intense sports, could not eliminate the harmful effects of long hours of inactivity. That is, exercising for one hour and sitting still for the remaining 15-16 hours will not eliminate the problem. This is a serious warning for programmers and office workers who have a habit of sitting at a desk or sofa for a long time every day, both at work and at home.

Scientists note that this risk is even more pronounced in people with a certain genetic predisposition (carriers of the APOE-ε4 gene). However, even for healthy people, inactivity is not without negative consequences: this condition may be associated with such biological processes as impaired blood circulation, increased inflammation, a weakening of the ability of neurons to form new connections in brain tissue, and metabolic disorders.

Scientists emphasize that every step is important. In addition to sports, experts recommend getting up from your desk every 30-40 minutes during the day, doing light movements and exercises, walking while talking on the phone, taking the stairs to work instead of the elevator, parking your car further from the entrance, and using transformable desks in the office — that is, desks designed to work both sitting and standing.

Also, even while sitting at a desk, you can improve blood flow to the brain and maintain health through small physical exercises (for example, crossing your legs, expanding your chest, rolling your shoulders). Such small movements also contribute to overall activity.

Even people who engage in the most intense sports are at risk of cognitive decline in the long term if they are mostly sedentary. Therefore, the brain and body need constant movement throughout the day. Otherwise, the “desk life” in the conditions of modern life can be an “unwritten ticket” for stroke, Alzheimer's, memory loss, and many other neurological diseases.

Therefore, regardless of their work and lifestyle, all programmers, office and IT specialists, freelancers and remote workers should not forget to include even small active movements in their daily schedule. Sitting for many hours, which at first glance seems harmless, is actually a serious health risk. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!