Unequal Time Use in Society May Hinder Dementia Risk Management: Study

Researchers have highlighted that the way time is allocated and used differently across society can significantly affect an individual’s ability to manage their risk of dementia. They urge policies that enable people to engage in brain-healthy behaviours.

A team from the University of New South Wales, Sydney, and Trinity College Dublin reviewed evidence from previous studies and found that essential daily lifestyle activities—including sleep (7+ hours), physical activity, social interaction (up to 1 hour each), and meals (30 minutes each)—consume at least 10 hours daily. While this is the bare minimum, it may not be sufficient to maintain and promote optimal brain health.

The researchers suggest that more than 10 hours per day might be required for engaging in brain-health activities, not counting time spent on work, commuting, personal care, caregiving, or household routines.

The findings, published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, underline the importance of societal and policy support in creating environments that allow individuals to dedicate adequate time to activities that reduce dementia risk.