Research published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine highlights that not all sedentary behaviors carry the same risk for dementia. The study, conducted by Swedish researchers, involved over 20,000 adults aged 35 to 64 tracked for 19 years. It found that engaging in mentally active sedentary activities—like reading or office work—was linked to a significant reduction in dementia risk, unlike mentally passive behaviors such as watching television. Lead researcher Dr. Mats Hallgren from the Karolinska Institute noted that while all sitting involves low energy use, the level of brain activity during these activities is crucial for cognitive health. The study suggests that sedentary behavior is a modifiable risk factor for dementia, indicating that maintaining mental engagement while sitting could be protective. The findings are expected to inform public health guidelines aimed at reducing dementia risk globally, especially as projections indicate nearly 14 million American adults may have Alzheimer’s disease by 2060.