It’s that easy.
Looking to lower your chances of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s? New research suggests that cycling might be an effective way to help protect your brain health.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open on June 9 found that regular cycling for transportation is associated with a 19% reduced risk of developing dementia and a 22% reduction in Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers also discovered that those who bike regularly may experience growth in the hippocampus—the part of the brain crucial for memory and learning.
According to Dr. Liron Sinvani, a geriatric specialist at Northwell Health, cycling might offer more cognitive benefits than walking because it requires greater physical effort and coordination, stimulating complex brain activity. She emphasized the value of integrating active forms of travel, such as biking, into everyday life, rather than relying solely on structured exercise routines.
The study drew on data from nearly half a million participants in the UK Biobank, a long-term health research project involving people from across England, Scotland, and Wales. Over an average 13-year follow-up period, more than 8,800 individuals were diagnosed with dementia, and close to 4,000 with Alzheimer’s. Those who included cycling in their daily travel routines—either alone or alongside walking, driving, or public transit—had lower rates of cognitive decline.
Interestingly, the research showed that the benefits of cycling were strongest among people who did not carry the APOE E4 gene variant, which is associated with a higher genetic risk for Alzheimer’s. While drivers also showed slightly better cognitive outcomes compared to public transit users, experts stressed that the study was observational and cannot confirm a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Still, the findings support the idea that staying active—especially outdoors—can play a key role in maintaining brain health as we age.
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