An active midlife may protect brain from Alzheimer's, study finds

Exercising may feel like a chore, but physical activity like walking, cycling or even gardening during your midlife may help protect against Alzheimer's disease, a new study suggests.
Researchers from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health followed 337 participants aged between 45 and 65 with a family history of Alzheimer's over a period of four years, who completed questionnaires and underwent neuroimaging tests.
Participants who increased their exercise to meet the levels recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) showed less beta-amyloid accumulation in brain scans than those who were sedentary or reduced their activity. Beta-amyloid protein can accumulate in the ageing brain, disrupting neuronal function and is considered a key driver of Alzheimer's.
• Helen Mirren's health advice for midlife: It's never too late

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