Can cycling prevent dementia? New study finds it may lower risk by 19% in middle-aged adults
A recent study conducted by the researchers of Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China and the University of Sydney revealed that people who cycled regularly had a 19 per cent lower risk of developing dementia.
Did you know that cycling has so many health benefits apart from just enhancing physical fitness? Yes, you read that right! A recent study has discovered that cycling reduces the risk of dementia, possibly protecting a part of the brain tied to memory functions.
The new study has been conducted by researchers from the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China and the University of Sydney. As per the findings of the researchers, cycling in middle age may help reduce the risk of developing dementia.
For the study, the researchers carried out an examination on over 479,723 participants with an average age of nearly 56 years.
People who cycled regularly had a 19 per cent lower risk of developing dementia
According to researchers, the individuals who cycled regularly had a 19 per cent lower risk of developing the disease called dementia as compared to those who used non-active modes of transportation, such as driving.
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The study also found that the protective effect was higher in young-onset dementia (before the age of 65). While frequent cyclists showed a 40 per cent lower risk of dementia.
Explaining the same in the study, Dr. Liangkai Chen from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, who also led the study, stated that cycling needs higher cognitive engagement while moving, and all of this helps preserve hippocampal volume.
The hippocampus is an essential part of the brain that is involved in memory and learning, and it is typically one of those regions that be impacted by the disease first.
Individuals with the APOE¦Å4 gene benefit the most from it
The study also found that even people carrying the APOE¦Å4 gene, which is a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, experienced a protective effect from cycling.
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Regular cycling led to a 26 per cent lower risk of dementia in participants without the gene, while those carrying the gene saw a 12 per cent decrease in risk.
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Sneha is a dedicated writer with a passion for storytelling that enthrals and inspires the readers. With a background in Health and Wellness, she brings a unique perspective to every narrative. As a journalist, she aims to find solutions with authenticity and credibility.
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