A new study from UCL researchers, published in Brain Communications, reveals that people who engage in regular physical activity throughout their lives have a lower risk of developing dementia, even if they exhibit early signs of Alzheimer's disease. The research, part of the Insight46 study, tracked the health data of over 450 individuals since their birth in 1946. Findings indicate that exercise, particularly before age 50, is associated with a larger hippocampus (the brain region responsible for memory) and reduced cognitive decline.
University College LondonJan 31 2025 People who exercise throughout their lives have a better chance of avoiding dementia - even if they show signs of diseases like Alzheimer's, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.
People who exercised throughout life were also less likely to experience cognitive decline, even if they had key markers of Alzheimer's such as amyloid build-up and brain shrinkage. This was especially true for women. Dr. Sarah-Naomi James, Lead Author, UCL Dementia Research Centre and MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL
Evidence suggests that keeping our brains healthy can help build 'cognitive reserve and resilience', helping to maintain memory and thinking in older age for longer. This is despite the brain aging and having signs of Alzheimer's disease. "Insight46 has given us valuable clues to what changes are happening in the brain, opening new exciting research avenues.
"Research shows that nearly half of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed by addressing health and lifestyle risk factors. This means there are things that all of us can do to reduce our risk, such as keeping physically active.
DEMETNIA EXERCISE ALZHEIMER's DISEASE BRAIN HEALTH COGNITIVE FUNCTION
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