Is TV bad for you?

I have seen some studies that support the idea that an physically active lifestyle and engaging in thinking activities like doing crossword puzzles can stave off Alzheimers disease so I can see where sitting on the sofa watching TV with one's mind in neutral might have an effect. Building neural connections allows the brain to use many paths to information.

But Alzheimers is a physical disease. Doctors are now saying they can look at a young person and fairly reliably know whether they will develop Alzheimers. There are also some genetic markers for the disease. Right now, noone seems to really know the "cause" of the disease.

I have never seen a study that links televison viewing countries with the incidence of Alzheimers but I would guess that undeveloped countries have shorter lifespans which would indeed account for a lower incidence of Alzheimers. I would be interested in seeing a study like this if you can direct me to it.

I don't think documentaries are bad for. That's what I watch.

I have a satelite dish that has lots of educational channels, history, TLC, biography, PBS, Nova, etc.

Is TV bad for you?
Boomerang, I believe that is the right explanion.

Its seems that if you have an active lifestyle you are less likely to develop dementia,utilizing your braincells helps keep them healthy.

Re: Is TV bad for you?


In countries with low TV ownership, people generally don't live to be old enough to get Alzheimers.

Actually,they have done similiar studies in developed countries with similiar results eg.those without TV less likely to develope dementia.

WooHoo! Maybe I'm doing something right! I haven't had TV in over 5 years!! I can't remember when I put my keys though....

TV may not be good for little children,studies suggest it can can cause ADHD in children.

I watch quite a bit of tv.
I watch 1 soap, comedy programmes or factual tv.I try to avoid it at other times unless I really have nothing else to do and need to be entertained.

I dont think its bad for you except a while back I realised all I had to talk about was TV.
I think it does require concentration if your watching something like a documentary, even comedy programmes have a complicated plot eg League of Gentlemen.

I have yet to see any studies that actually prove that ADHD even exists.
I have reseasched the ADHD subject extensively and there are several doctors who will argue its existence due to lack of medical evidence. Some say it's made up by the pharmaceutical companies and the psychiatric association who are pushing dangerous drugs on children and adults simply to make a profit.