A recent cohort study published in JAMA demonstrated an association between physical activity levels in mid-late adult life (45-88 years old) and decreased dementia risk.1 A statistically significant difference was found between those who had a high level of physical activity in later life and those with a lower level of physical activity. Interestingly, early-adult physical activity (age 26-44 y) was not associated with decreased risk of dementia.
The article goes on to describe 5 reasons exercise is good for the brain and can delay cognitive impairment:
1) Decreasing neuropathology associated with dementia (partly by slowing production of amyloid beta which can produce plaques linked with cognitive decline).2,3
2) Upregulation of brain neurotrophins (proteins that help neurons survive by promoting “hippocampal neurogenesis, angiogenesis, synaptogenesis, cerebral blood flow, endothelial function, and small vessel integrity”).2,3
3) Providing anti-inflammatory effects and decreasing abdominal and visceral fat.2
4) Improves glucose metabolism, protecting vascular function.2
5) Reduces stress, also benefiting vascular function.3
If you are interested in increasing your physical activity levels or developing a personalized exercise program, you may benefit from individualized physical therapy with Dr. Sarah Burkhardt. You may also benefit from Small Group Exercise Classes now offered at the studio!
or email sarah@seatosummitpt.com with any questions!
References
1. Marino FR, Lyu C, Li Y, Liu T, Au R, Hwang PH. Physical Activity Over the Adult Life Course and Risk of Dementia in the Framingham Heart Study. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(11):e2544439. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.44439
2. de Frutos Lucas J, Sewell KR, García-Colomo A, Markovic S, Erickson KI, Brown BM. How does apolipoprotein E genotype influence the relationship between physical activity and Alzheimer’s disease risk? A novel integrative model. Alzheimers Res Ther. 2023;15(1):22. Published 2023 Jan 27. doi:10.1186/s13195-023-01170-4
3. Arida RM, Teixeira-Machado L. The Contribution of Physical Exercise to Brain Resilience. Front Behav Neurosci. 2021;14:626769. Published 2021 Jan 20. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2020.626769