Leisure-Time Physical Activity Linked to Reduced Dementia Risk; Occupational Activity Associated With Increased Risk, Study Says

A systematic review of 74 studies published in Lancet Public Health found that leisure-time physical activity is associated with a 24% lower risk of dementia, while occupational physical activity is linked to a 20% increased risk, according to researchers led by the University of Southern California.

The analysis, which covered more than 4.2 million participants across 30 countries, assessed physical activity through self-reported questionnaires and objective measurements. Participants ranged in age from 45 to 93 at the start of the median 10-year follow-up period, during which all diagnoses of all-cause dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and vascular dementia were recorded, the study stated.

Study Details and Methodology

Natan Feter, a postdoctoral scholar and research associate at the University of Southern California and first author on the study, told Medical News Today that the team analyzed data from 74 studies involving more than 4.2 million participants from 30 countries. The participants were aged 45 to 93 years at the start of the median 10-year follow-up period.

All 74 studies assessed physical activity by self-reported questionnaires or objective measurements and included a comparison with a reference group. Occupational physical activity was recorded only for those in work, rather than non-working or retired individuals, the researchers stated.

The study authors noted the importance of the large sample size and long follow-up period for identifying patterns. Steven Allder, a consultant neurologist at Re:Cognition Health who was not involved in the research, told Medical News Today the findings are worth paying attention to because the analysis included more than 4 million people and followed participants for many years, adding that the consistency of the results across a large number of studies makes the association potentially important.

Leisure Activity and Brain Health

Participants who engaged in leisure-time physical activity showed a 24% decreased risk of developing dementia compared with those who were least active, according to the study. Activities included walking, cycling, runnin