That’s what Mom used to say to us. It turned out that Mom was right once again (to be fair, Mom also thought microwaves would explode our heads, but no one is perfect), at least according to researchers at USC. The research team examined information from about 1,700 adults with an average age of 53.  Participants reported how often they watched television using a scale that ranged from "never/seldom" to "very often." They were also asked how much of their workday they spent sitting. 

More than 20 years later, participants all received brain MRI scans. Compared with people who said they watched television "never" or "seldom," those who reported watching it "very often" showed broad structural differences throughout the brain.  Frequent television viewers had smaller volumes in areas of the brain connected with early signs of Alzheimer's disease, and they also exhibited greater volumes of “white matter hyperintensities,” which are signs of cerebral small blood vessel disease and have been linked to cognitive decline and dementia. The TV heavy group also had smaller frontal lobes, which play an important role in planning, decision-making, and other executive functions.

One of the most startling findings from the research was that sitting itself did not seem to be a primary factor behind brain differences. People who spent a large portion of their workday sitting for work still had larger frontal and occipital lobes and lower white matter hyperintensity volumes than those who watched a lot of television. The study authors have speculated that many seated jobs involve problem-solving, concentration and other forms of intellectual stimulation that distinguish them from television watching. 

So if you care about your brain, turn off that TV, and maybe stay away from that microwave just to be safe.

Perhaps you’re worried about Ken’s social connections now that his only child is off to college in September. Thank you for your concern, but not to worry, Ken intends to do something about it.  On Monday, we announced a new project called “The Year of Living Socially” in which a 63-year-old, slightly curmudgeonly man is committing to a year of social connection. See more at our introductory video here. Please follow and like and please share your ideas for what Ken can do to be more socially connected as he ages.