USC Study Links 24 Years of Heavy TV Watching to Smaller Brain Volume in Men
Updated
Updated · GIGAZINE（ギガジン） · Jul 27
USC Study Links 24 Years of Heavy TV Watching to Smaller Brain Volume in Men
3 articles · Updated · GIGAZINE（ギガジン） · Jul 27
Summary
1,712 adults tracked for about 24 years showed that frequent midlife TV watching was tied to smaller frontal and occipital brain volumes and more white matter damage on later-life MRI scans.
The USC team found the association held even after adjusting for exercise, diabetes, BMI, smoking and alcohol use, and it was markedly stronger in men.
Desk sitting did not mirror TV's pattern, with researchers pointing to television as a cognitively passive activity while office work often involves planning, reading and problem-solving that may build cognitive reserve.
The study relied on self-reported TV and work sitting time and found correlation, not proof that television viewing directly caused the brain changes.