The Impact of Watching Television on Brain Health

A recent study has found that watching television for extended periods of time may have negative effects on brain health. The research, which followed over 1,700 adults for approximately 24 years, found that watching television for long periods of time in middle age was associated with a decrease in brain volume. Scientists noted that this decrease occurred in areas of the brain that are particularly vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease and was linked to an increase in cognitive decline-related damage. On the other hand, individuals who spent most of their day sitting but engaged in mentally stimulating activities such as puzzles, responding to emails, or other mentally demanding tasks had healthier brain structures.