Researchers at Boston University have determined that it’s never too late to engage in physical exercise, as activity levels mitigate the risk of dementia even for individuals who commence training after reaching 40 or 60 years of age. This finding stems from an analysis of data collected over many years as part of the long-running Framingham Heart Study, with the results being published in the journal JAMA Network Open.
The study incorporated longitudinal data on over 4,000 participants observed for more than seven decades. Scientists assessed exertion levels and discovered that for middle-aged individuals, moderate to vigorous exercise—such as brisk walking, cycling, running, or hiking—proved most beneficial for brain health.
The most significant protective impact was observed among those who were physically engaged between the ages of 45 and 64; their dementia risk was 41% lower compared to sedentary peers. Remarkably, for those who only started exercising regularly after turning 65, the reduction in risk was even greater, dropping by 45%, according to Gazeta.ru. Conversely, physical activity during younger adulthood, specifically between ages 26 and 44, did not demonstrate a notable protective effect.
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The outcomes are particularly noteworthy for carriers of the APOE4 gene, which represents the strongest known genetic predictor for Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers noted, “In midlife, physical activity did not lower the risk of the condition for these participants; however, beyond age 65, it reduced it by approximately 66%.” This strongly suggests that for individuals genetically predisposed to the disease, exercising later in life may hold paramount importance.
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