Study finds that watching five hours of TV a day raises risk of dementia by almost 50 percent

Watching too much television has been found to increase the risk of developing dementia, according to a recent study conducted by academics. The study, which involved 400,000 people in the UK, revealed that individuals who watched more than five hours of TV a day had a 44% greater risk of developing dementia compared to those who watched less.

In addition to the increased risk of dementia, excessive television viewing was also linked to higher rates of stroke and Parkinson’s disease. The study suggested that watching up to three hours of TV a day was optimal for brain health, with higher amounts of screen time associated with an increased risk of various brain-related disorders.

The researchers analyzed data from the UK Biobank project, which included 407,000 individuals aged 37 to 73, with 40,000 of them having undergone a brain scan. None of the participants had been diagnosed with any brain disorders at the beginning of the study. Over the 13-year follow-up period, 5,227 individuals developed dementia, 6,822 had a stroke, and 2,308 were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Individuals in the study watched TV for an average of 2.7 hours per day. Those who watched between three to five hours had a 15% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who watched for one hour or less. For individuals who watched more than five hours, the risk increased to 44%, along with a 12% higher risk of stroke and a 28% greater risk of Parkinson’s disease.

Interestingly, no increased risk was found for time spent on computers, as screen use on computers is often associated with more mentally challenging activities. The study also found that individuals who watched more than five hours of TV had less grey matter and smaller memory centers, both of which are linked to various brain diseases.

While the exact mechanism behind how TV viewing affects the brain is not fully understood, one theory proposed is that sedentary behavior combined with low levels of muscle activity and energy expenditure may lead to chronic inflammation and reduced blood flow to the brain.

Reacting to the findings, James Rowe, a professor of cognitive neurology at Cambridge, suggested that moderate TV viewing is not harmful. He advised individuals to enjoy their favorite TV shows in moderation and engage in other activities to maintain brain health.

In a separate study, researchers from Shanghai University School of Medicine found that playing card games such as poker, gin rummy, chess, and mahjong can help keep joints supple as individuals age. The repetitive arm movements involved in dealing cards provide passive exercise that can sustain range of motion and lubrication of the shoulder joint. Participants who played games were found to be 40% less likely to experience shoulder pain, according to the study published in the journal Experimental Gerontology.

In conclusion, while watching TV can be a form of entertainment and relaxation, excessive screen time may pose risks to brain health. It is essential to strike a balance between screen time and engaging in other activities to maintain overall well-being and cognitive function. Engaging in activities that challenge the mind and promote physical movement, such as playing card games, can be beneficial for brain and joint health in the long run.

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Neurology, Public Health & Prevention