A new study has found a concerning link between sedentary behavior and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, reinforcing the importance of physical activity for brain health. The research, published on May 13 in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, suggests that extended periods of sitting may accelerate neurodegeneration and cognitive decline, particularly in older adults with a genetic predisposition to the disease.

The study, led by Dr. Marissa A. Gogniat of the Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center in Nashville, analyzed data from 404 participants enrolled in the Vanderbilt Memory and Aging Project. Over a seven-year period, researchers tracked participants’ physical activity using actigraphy, assessed cognitive performance through neuropsychological testing, and examined brain structure via high-resolution MRI scans.

Their findings revealed that individuals who spent more time sitting had smaller Alzheimer’s-related brain structures and performed worse on tests of episodic memory. The negative effects of prolonged sedentary behavior were especially pronounced among participants who carried the APOE ε4 gene variant—a known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to these cross-sectional findings, longitudinal data showed that increased sedentary time was linked to faster declines in hippocampal volume, as well as worsening naming ability and processing speed—functions often impacted in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

“This research highlights the importance of reducing sitting time, particularly among aging adults at increased genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease,” said study co-author Dr. Angela Jefferson. “It is critical to our brain health to take breaks from sitting throughout the day and move around to increase our active time.”

The findings contribute to a growing body of evidence emphasizing the role of lifestyle in protecting brain health. While aging and genetics play significant roles in Alzheimer’s risk, the study underscores that everyday habits—such as staying active—may also have a powerful impact.

Experts say these results should encourage both individuals and healthcare providers to promote more movement throughout the day as a potential strategy to reduce cognitive decline and neurodegeneration associated with aging.