Neuer Risikofaktor für Demenz identifiziert: Zeitarmut. Eine Studie ergab, dass diejenigen, denen es an Zeit mangelt, sich um sich selbst zu kümmern – ein Zustand, der als „Zeitarmut“ bekannt ist –, häufiger an Demenz erkranken als diejenigen, die tagsüber genügend Zeit haben, sich um sich selbst zu kümmern.

I’ve linked to the news release in the post above. In this comment, for those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(25)00087-X/fulltext

From the linked article:

**New dementia risk factor identified: Time poverty**

Time availability can impact the development of dementia perhaps as much as diet and exercise, according to a panel of scientists. The group says its research should cause a paradigm shift in the diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

To reach their conclusion, the researchers examined information about dementia that’s been reported in the fields of epidemiology and neurology, as well as that from time-use studies. What they **found is that those who experience a lack of time to devote to self care – a condition known as „time poverty“ – are more likely to develop dementia than those who have sufficient time in their days to look after themselves**.

„Our evidence suggests that at least 10 hours per day are required just for essential brain health activities such as sleep, meals, physical activity, and social interaction,“ says study co-author Simone Reppermund. „For many, especially those in disadvantaged or caregiving roles, this simply isn’t achievable under current conditions. Addressing time poverty is therefore essential if we are serious about preventing dementia.“

In the study, which has been published in the journal The Lancet Healthy Longevity, the team reports that the elimination of dementia risk factors could lessen the risk of getting the disease by as much as 45%.

I used to say to my mother all the time that “I don’t have the luxury of time” when trying to explain why I couldn’t just sit on the couch with her and visit like she was Sunday company coming over as she’d look at me all offended. Or why I didn’t want to spend my one day off with her and instead needed to put away laundry. She could stand and speak with me in the kitchen while I washed dishes, or while I put away clutter. I don’t complain, but I wasn’t sorry she had to witness my life firsthand and see how hard it is.