In my local newspaper, the Washington Post, there was an article that said too much TV could rise the risk of Alzheimer's, according to one study.
They followed 25 people, and those who were couch potatoes had more issues with memory than those who were active.
I really believe that. I have been semi-grounded for the past two month due to an injury and I noticed I just can't think as clearly as I did before. Thank goodness I am able to go to the office in the morning, otherwise my mind would be really like oatmeal. Now I am overthinking all of this, and I need to stop doing that :P
Here is what causes dementia: We Don't Know.
Watching less television and being more active is probably a good healthy thing for all of us. Will it decrease our risk of getting dementia? We Don't Know.
One study involving 25 people? Does that prove, or even suggest something? We Don't Know.
I think that someone who might develop Alzheimers from watching excessive amounts of tv probably has very few interests and/or problem solving skills, doesn't exercise his or her brain, and has a vegetative personality. Going along with that might be poor food choices, unhealthy diet including too much junk food, no exercise, no brain stimulation, no goals, no motivation.
Although I think there might be merit to the theory, a study of 25 people isn't really enough to form a conclusion. The study would need to be much larger, and over a wide demographic range.
But it is a start and could lead to more studies on the correlation between heavy tv watching and dementia.
Personally I also think widespread chemical use, especially in agriculture, may also be a factor. We've also segued into much heavier use of electronics, battery operated devices, and a more unnatural lifestyle than our parents.
I believe the helicoptering started when 24-hour news came on the horizon. The news stations kept repeating the same news story every hour, and depending on how often one turned on the news, you'd think there were a dozen of the same crime happening instead of that one crime. Then the next day, an update on that same crime.... one would think oh my gosh, it happened again.
We mowed our parent's lawn using a push mower, and shoveled snow using a regular shovel. We walked everywhere. I remember walking to school over a mile each way.... yep, uphill both ways :) My Dad rode horseback all 12 years, I thought that was pretty cool.
Kids became glued to 500 TV channels [we grew up with 3 or 4, if any]... and now handheld computer devices, but at least in most cases they are communicating with others
Since TV wasn't all that common in everyone's living room until the late 1950's, I guess dementia in our elders must be triggered by something else.... aging brain? Yet my Mom is 97 and has no memory issue, not even age related memory issue. Dad who is 93 I notice is having some short term memory.