Dementia: Could cycling help reduce risk of Alzheimer's?
Scientists have found that bicycling may help lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's. Rene de Haan/Stocksy Bicycling is a popular mode of transportation and exercise for millions of people.
Past studies show that bicycling may provide a number of health benefits, including lowering a person's risk for certain diseases.
A new study has recently found that those who use bicycling as their main mode of transportation may also be lowering their risk for dementia.
Since the development of the first bicycle in 1817, bicycling has become a popular mode of transportation and exercise activity for millions of people.
Now, a new study recently published in the journal JAMA Network Open has found that those who use bicycling as their main mode of transportation may also be lowering their risk for dementia.
For this study, researchers analyzed data from the U.K. Biobank of almost 480,000 people with an average age of about 57 who had shown no sign of dementia. Information included main modes of travel, as well as sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. They tracked participants for a median of 13 years.
Participants were divided into four categories based on their modes of transportation. The nonactive group included participants who used a car, motor vehicle, or public transport, such as a bus.
Groups two and three were those who only walked and those who followed mixed walking with a combination of using nonactive and walking transportation methods. Group four were participants who either only used a bicycle or who used a bicycle in conjunction with other transportation types.
'Active travel (e.g., walking/cycling) is a feasible, sustainable form of exercise widely adopted by the public,' Liangkai Chen, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China, and lead author of this study, told Medical News Today . 'We examined whether specific modes confer distinct neuroprotective benefits, as prior studies rarely addressed this nuance.'
At the study's conclusion, researchers found that participants who regularly rode a bicycle for transportation had a lower dementia risk compared to participants who walked, drove, or took the bus.
'Our key finding: Participants using cycling/mixed-cycling modes had a 19% lower all-cause dementia risk and 22% lower Alzheimer's disease risk vs. nonactive modes,' Chen explained. 'This likely stems from cycling's higher aerobic intensity and cognitive engagement (e.g., navigation, coordination), which may enhance neuroplasticity more than walking alone.'
Additionally, Chen and his team discovered that participants who regularly rode a bicycle for transportation, or mixed in bicycle riding with other modes of transport, were able to retain more volume in the hippocampus of the brain.
'Cycling/mixed-cycling was significantly associated with greater hippocampal volume. This matters because the hippocampus is central to memory formation and is among the first regions damaged in dementia. Retaining its structure may delay cognitive decline.'
— Liangkai Chen, PhD
'Promoting cycling as daily transport — even mixed with other modes — could be a practical strategy to reduce dementia risk and preserve brain structure,' he continued. 'We plan to investigate dose-response relationships (e.g., cycling frequency/duration); examine how changes in active travel behavior over time impact brain health trajectories; and expand studies to diverse populations to address our cohort's limitations.'
MNT spoke with Peter Gliebus, MD, director of cognitive and behavioral neurology at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, about the study.
'This study provides compelling evidence that active travel modes, particularly cycling, can significantly reduce the risk of dementia and improve brain health,' Gliebus said. 'It highlights the potential of simple, accessible lifestyle changes to make a meaningful impact on cognitive health, which is especially important for older adults.'
'It's fascinating that cycling seems to offer a cognitive edge over walking, even though both are beneficial,' Kamal Wagle, MD, geriatric specialist with Hackensack University Medical Center's Center for Memory Loss and Brain Health in New Jersey — who was not involved with this study — told MNT.
'While the exact mechanisms aren't fully understood, there are some plausible explanations supported by already existing research. Numerous studies have linked aerobic exercise to improved cognitive function and reduced dementia risk. This new study adds to that body of evidence and suggests that the type of aerobic exercise might matter.'
— Kamal Wagle, MD
MNT also spoke with Clifford Segil, DO, an adult neurologist in private practice in Santa Monica, CA, who is also on staff at Providence St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, about this research.
'An ounce of prevention is often worth more than a pound of treatment and we are still looking for any proven modification in middle age life which can decrease our risks of getting dementia or memory loss as we age,' Segil explained. 'Nothing has been proven to be clearly neuroprotective and we are still looking for lifestyle modifications which improve our brain health as we age.'
We asked our experts for their top tips on the best way to start bicycling if they're not already: Start Small: Begin with short, flat rides to build confidence and stamina. Focus on building endurance and getting comfortable on the bike before increasing distance or intensity. Listen to your body and rest when needed.
Begin with short, flat rides to build confidence and stamina. Focus on building endurance and getting comfortable on the bike before increasing distance or intensity. Listen to your body and rest when needed. Safety First: Use a properly fitted helmet and bright-colored clothing, and ensure the bicycle is adjusted for comfort and stability. Use lights and reflectors, especially when riding in low-light conditions. Be aware of traffic laws and practice safe riding habits. Consider taking a cycling safety course.
Use a properly fitted helmet and bright-colored clothing, and ensure the bicycle is adjusted for comfort and stability. Use lights and reflectors, especially when riding in low-light conditions. Be aware of traffic laws and practice safe riding habits. Consider taking a cycling safety course. Choose the Right Bike: Consider a bike with a step-through frame or a comfortable, upright bike like a hybrid, cruiser, or electric bike (e-bike). A professional bike fitting is highly recommended.
Consider a bike with a step-through frame or a comfortable, upright bike like a hybrid, cruiser, or electric bike (e-bike). A professional bike fitting is highly recommended. Ride in Safe Areas: Opt for bike paths or quiet streets to minimize traffic stress.
Opt for bike paths or quiet streets to minimize traffic stress. Gradual Progression: Increase distance and intensity gradually to avoid overexertion. Start by practicing in a park, on a dedicated bike path, or in a quiet neighborhood with minimal traffic. Pay attention to any pain or discomfort and stop riding if necessary. Don't push yourself too hard, especially in the beginning.
Increase distance and intensity gradually to avoid overexertion. Start by practicing in a park, on a dedicated bike path, or in a quiet neighborhood with minimal traffic. Pay attention to any pain or discomfort and stop riding if necessary. Don't push yourself too hard, especially in the beginning. Warm-Up and Cool-Down Properly: Before each ride, do some light stretching or warm-up exercises. After each ride, cool down with gentle stretching to improve flexibility and prevent muscle soreness.
Before each ride, do some light stretching or warm-up exercises. After each ride, cool down with gentle stretching to improve flexibility and prevent muscle soreness. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after cycling, especially in warmer weather.
Drink plenty of water before, during, and after cycling, especially in warmer weather. Socialize: Join a local cycling group or ride with friends to make it enjoyable and motivating.
Join a local cycling group or ride with friends to make it enjoyable and motivating. Gentler Alternative to Joint Pain: Cycling is a low-impact exercise, minimizing stress on joints compared to walking, especially for older adults. This could allow for longer duration and higher intensity workouts, further amplifying the cardiovascular and cognitive benefits.
'Starting cycling later in life can be incredibly rewarding, but it's important to prioritize safety and build up gradually,' Wagle said. 'Before starting any new exercise program, especially if there are pre-existing health conditions, it's crucial to consult a doctor. They can assess any potential risks and provide personalized advice.' Who shouldn't be cycling
'Bicycling requires a lot of balance and dexterity and I would strongly discourage anyone in their 60s or older from starting to ride bicycles on the street even though we are supposed to remember how to do this for life. Patients with memory loss may have forgotten how to ride a bicycle. I would recommend a stationary bicycle at a gym to re-start this process.'
— Clifford Segil, DO
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
32 minutes ago
- Reuters
EU to review some drugs containing sodium oxybate
June 20 (Reuters) - The European Union's medicine regulator said on Friday it has begun a review of some medicines that contain sodium oxybate and are used to treat alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Sodium oxybate is an active ingredient that works by calming the activity of certain cells in the central nervous system and is also used to treat narcolepsy.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Kate praises children's hospices for ‘lifting spirits through fun'
The Princess of Wales, Kate, praised the "life-changing work" of children 's hospices across the UK. She highlighted their vital support for children at the end of their lives and their success in lifting spirits through laughter, fun, and play. Kate's commendation comes as she continues to balance her public duties following cancer treatment, which was the reason for her absence from Royal Ascot. As a royal patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices and Ty Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales, she emphasized the extraordinary care provided to families. Her heartfelt message was posted on social media ahead of the end of Children's Hospice Week, an event raising awareness for these services.
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Bromyard sci-fi museum to auction Doctor Who and Red Dwarf props
A museum holding a "lifetime collection" of Doctor Who memorabilia, along with Star Wars and Red Dwarf props, is putting its entire collection up for Time Machine Museum of Science Fiction holds props and costumes from both the early and revived series of the BBC auctioneers, Heritage Auctions, described it as "one of the most comprehensive Doctor Who archives ever assembled".Items from the museum, in Bromyard, Herefordshire, were also used in other classic sci-fi films and programmes, including from Star Trek: Voyager, will also be going under the hammer next month. The museum opened its doors in 2007 and closed in March when the owner, Andy Glazzard, decided to retire."We are naturally sorry to part with such a wonderful collection after so many years curating the items in our museum," he said. "But time goes on."About 85% of the 75 pieces in the museum are related to Doctor Who, which was first shown on BBC television more than 60 years them are a Tardis used by Third Doctor Jon Pertwee in a fan-made serial thought to be one of his final filmed has a starting estimate of £3,500.A reproduction of the Doctor's robotic dog, K9, dating from 2005, is listed at £1,500.A full-length cape worn by the Sixth Doctor, Colin Baker, is expected to fetch at least £740, as is a costume worn by companion Rose Tyler, played by Billie up for sale are an original model miniature of Starbug 1, the craft used by the crew of Red Dwarf in the series of the same name, and a costume worn by the robotic humanoid Kryten. "This is a landmark auction for all Doctor Who, Star Trek and Red Dwarf fans (amongst others) and all those passionate about science fiction," said Alastair McCrea from Heritage Auctions."The breadth of the collection and the care taken to preserve it, makes it unprecedented and we anticipate huge interest from around the globe for these pieces.""We wish the successful bidders of our items all the best for the future, hoping that they will enjoy their purchases as much as we have," added Mr sale is due to take place from 16-18 July. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
