Study Warns: Afternoon Activity May Raise Dementia Risk by 45%
U.S. researchers found that older adults whose peak activity occurs in the afternoon are at higher risk of dementia, as delayed activity disrupts the brain’s biological clock.
A recent study from University of Texas Southwestern highlights the link between daily activity timing and dementia risk in older adults.
Researchers monitored over 2,000 participants, average age 79, for three years, using devices to track biological rhythms and daily activity over 12 days. Participants were divided into two groups:
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Strong biological rhythm group, with clear distinctions between active and rest periods.
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Weak biological rhythm group.
Results revealed that those whose peak activity occurred after 2:15 PM were 45% more likely to develop dementia compared to those peaking earlier.
Experts explained that late afternoon activity may interfere with the body’s circadian rhythm, hindering the removal of toxic proteins in the brain, which are believed to contribute to memory decline. Additional risk factors include genetics, brain changes, poor nutrition, smoking, and physical inactivity, but circadian disruption emerged as a key indicator
Regular health screening is one of the most important steps to maintain good health and detect diseases early. The essential medical checkups for every age help in preventing complications and ensuring a healthier life.
Many people, after doing medical tests, receive their results and immediately start looking at numbers and unfamiliar terms like (High – Low – Normal) without fully understanding what they actually mean.
When dealing with medical services, many people come across different titles for doctors such as “Specialist” and “Consultant”, which can sometimes create confusion about what each title actually means and how they differ from each other.
Choosing the right time to visit a doctor is not a random decision. It can directly affect how quickly a condition is diagnosed and how effective the treatment will be. Many people delay visiting a doctor or go at the wrong time, which may lead to worsening symptoms or delayed care.
