What does research show? Does exercising affect the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease?
Media and the internet are filled with news encouraging Americans to exercise to prevent major health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Now medical professionals and researchers emphasize the importance of exercise for brain health. But what does science really show about the connection between exercise and dementia prevention?
A study published in The Lancet, a leading international medical journal, found for all individuals in the study — regardless of genetic risk factors – those who engaged in leisure-time physical activity had 52% lower odds of dementia compared to sedentary individuals! That’s huge and inspiring!
The study by Rovio et al. (2005) examined 1449 individuals aged 65 to 79 years old who were tested from 1972 to 1998. They examined the relationship between exercising during midlife and later development of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to 52% lower odds of dementia, the study showed 60% lower odds of Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers also accounted for genetic risk by looking at participants with the APOE4 gene which has been found to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. They found that sedentary APOE4 carriers were at the greatest risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to physically active APOE4 carriers, sedentary non-carriers, and active non-carriers. Ultimately, they concluded that physical activity at midlife was related to a decreased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease later in life. In addition, regular physical activity may reduce the risk or delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, especially among individuals with genetic risk factors.