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Alzheimer's disease

Physical Activity Significantly Reduces Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health has found that engaging in physical activity, such as walking or exercise, more than twice a week significantly reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The research used data from the Health and Retirement Study (2012-2020) and found that maintaining a physical activity level between 2.20 and 2.80 is significantly associated with a reduced risk of AD/ADRD.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study used data from 9,714 participants in the Health and Retirement Study from 2012 to 2020.
  • Individuals with a physical activity level of 2.80 experienced a 4.6% reduction in the odds of developing AD/ADRD.
  • Maintaining a physical activity level between 2.20 and 2.80 is significantly associated with a reduced risk of AD/ADRD.
  • Engaging in physical activity more than twice a week showed a significant reduction in the risk of AD/ADRD, while less frequent activity showed no statistically significant benefit.
  • Covariates such as age, sex, education, and baseline cognitive function in 2012 were included in the regression model.

Statistics:

  • 9,714 participants in the Health and Retirement Study from 2012 to 2020.
  • 4.6% reduction in the odds of developing AD/ADRD for individuals with a physical activity level of 2.80.
  • 0.954 odds ratio (OR) for individuals with a physical activity level of 2.80.
  • 0.962, 0.967, and 0.970 ORs for individuals with physical activity levels of 2.60, 2.40, and 2.20, respectively.
  • 0.974 and 0.983 ORs with nonsignificant trends toward risk reduction for individuals with physical activity levels of 2.00 and 1.80, respectively.

Sources:

  • Longitudinal Estimation of Adequate Physical Activity Levels to Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 2025:1-8.
  • Human Kinetics Publ Inc, 1607 N Market St, PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61820-2200, USA.
  • Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
  • Health and Retirement Study.

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