Study: TV Viewing Time May Increase Risk of Developing Alzheimer's

Watching television can increase a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

Researchers surveyed approximately 500 Cleveland residents about their television viewing habits. Spouses or caregivers answered for residents who could not answer for themselves.

Investigators found that adults between ages 40 and 60 who watched a lot of television were more likely to develop Alzheimer's by the time they reached 70, regardless of their gender, income or level of education.

Each hour of watching television during mid-life years increased the risk of developing the disease by almost one third.

Researchers speculate that the link between television watching and Alzheimer's disease is an inactive lifestyle and less mentally stimulating activity. Previous research has shown that people who participated in high levels of reading, exercising and other mentally stimulating activities reduced their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by 38 percent.

Other sources: AP