Sitting at your desk all day or on your sofa watching TV could make you stupid, scientists have suggested.

 

科学家指出，终日坐在桌前或者坐在沙发上看电视会让你变傻。

 

Researchers have discovered those with a sedentary lifestyle have a smaller brain region important in forming memories.

 

The study, by researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles, adds to a growing list about the dangers of sitting for too long.

 

An array of evidence has already linked the bad habit to heart disease, diabetes¹, several forms of cancer and an early death in recent years.

 

But the new research, derived² from 35 participants, suggests sitting for too long could even boost the risk of dementia.

 

Those with the lazy lifestyles had less grey matter in the medial temporal lobe³ (MTL) - even if they went for regular brisk walks, cycle rides or jogs.

 

A decline in this area has repeatedly been shown to be an early warning sign of Alzheimer's disease in aged⁵" target="_blank">middle-aged⁴ and elderly patients.

 

The study, published in PLOS ONE, quizzed the volunteers, who were aged between 45 and 75, about their levels of exercise.

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