In a new study, researchers from the University of South Australia found that some sedentary activities are better for cognitive function than others.

The researchers assessed the 24-hour activity patterns of 397 adults aged 60 and above, and found that socially or mentally stimulating activities such as reading, playing musical instruments, crafting or talking to others are beneficial for memory and thinking abilities, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Watching television or playing video games, however, was found to be detrimental.

The researchers said the findings could help reduce the risks of cognitive impairment, including from dementia.

“We already know that physical activity is a strong protector against dementia risk, and this should certainly be prioritised if you are trying to improve your brain health. But until now, we hadn’t directly explored whether we could benefit our brain health by swapping one sedentary behaviour for another,” co-author Maddison Mellow noted.

She recommends breaking up time spent watching TV or gaming with five-minute bursts of physical activity or more cognitively engaged seated activity.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 55 million people globally have dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed annually.

In Australia, nearly two thirds of dementia patients are women. It is expected to become the leading cause of death there within years after ranking second in 2023.