Sitting time and Alzheimer's risk in middle-aged and older adults
Inactivity, sedentary behavior, and the risk for Alzheimer’s disease in middle aged to older adults
This project looks at whether spending more time sitting is linked to worse brain health and higher Alzheimer's risk in middle-aged and older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11311323 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of a large group of adults whose daily activity is tracked, often with devices that measure how much time you spend sitting versus moving. Researchers will compare sitting time to brain scans, thinking tests, and who goes on to develop Alzheimer's or other dementias over years of follow-up. The team uses data from accelerometers and routine study visits to see if more sitting relates to smaller brain volume, poorer memory, or higher dementia rates. The goal is to find simple behavior changes, like cutting down sitting time, that might be easier than starting a new exercise routine.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are middle-aged to older adults without dementia who can wear an activity monitor and complete periodic cognitive tests and follow-up visits.
Not a fit: People already living with advanced Alzheimer's or those unable to wear activity monitors or change daily sitting patterns are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the work shows sitting time raises Alzheimer's risk, it could point to reducing sitting as an easier way to protect brain health.
How similar studies have performed: Past studies show exercise can help preserve thinking skills and brain structure, but specifically linking sitting time to Alzheimer's risk is a newer and still growing area of research.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raichlen, David — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Raichlen, David
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.