Dementia is a growing health problem around the world. Today, more than 55 million people are living with dementia, and this number is expected to rise in the coming years.
Dementia affects memory, thinking, and daily life, making it difficult for people to live independently.
It also places a heavy emotional and financial burden on families and healthcare systems. Experts predict that the global cost of dementia could reach two trillion dollars by 2030.
Because there is still no highly effective cure for dementia, scientists have been focusing on prevention. Many researchers now believe that everyday habits may play an important role in protecting brain health.
Two of the most important habits are physical activity and sleep. A new study from York University in Canada adds strong evidence to support this idea.
The study, published in PLOS One, looked at how lifestyle habits are linked to the risk of developing dementia later in life. The research team analyzed data from 69 long-term studies that followed millions of adults aged 35 and older.
All participants were healthy at the start, and researchers tracked their habits over time to see who later developed dementia.
The researchers focused on three main lifestyle factors: physical activity, time spent sitting, and sleep duration. These are common parts of daily life that can vary widely between individuals.
The results showed that people who were regularly physically active had a lower risk of developing dementia. On average, regular exercise was linked to about a 25 percent reduction in risk.
Physical activity helps improve blood flow to the brain, supports healthy brain cells, and may reduce inflammation, all of which are important for maintaining cognitive function.
Sleep was another important factor. The study found that getting the right amount of sleep, about seven to eight hours per night, was associated with the lowest risk of dementia.
People who slept less than seven hours had an 18 percent higher risk, while those who slept more than eight hours had a 28 percent higher risk. This suggests that both too little and too much sleep may be harmful for brain health.
Time spent sitting also appeared to play a role. People who sat for more than eight hours a day had a higher risk of dementia. Although fewer studies examined this factor, the results suggest that long periods of inactivity may negatively affect the brain.
These findings are important because they show that simple daily habits may influence long-term brain health. However, the researchers also noted that the results varied between studies. This means that other factors, such as diet, genetics, and overall health, may also play a role.
Study analysis: This study is strong because it includes a very large number of participants and combines results from many long-term studies.
However, it is observational, meaning it cannot prove that these habits directly cause changes in dementia risk. Even so, the consistent patterns suggest that physical activity, healthy sleep, and reduced sitting time are important for brain health.
In conclusion, while dementia cannot yet be fully prevented or cured, this research suggests that small, everyday choices may help reduce risk. Staying active, getting enough sleep, and avoiding long periods of sitting could all contribute to a healthier brain over time.
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