Cycling May Potentially Lower Chances of Developing Alzheimer's Disease
Heading out on two wheels may not only be an entertaining mode of transportation, but research suggests it could also be a key factor in reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Over the years, cycling has proven itself to be a popular activity for exercise and travel, with numerous potential health advantages. Previous studies have linked cycling to heart health improvement, stress reduction, and weight loss, as well as a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
Recent data presented in a study published in a prestigious journal suggests that those who consistently use cycling as their main transportation method may enjoy an additional perk – a lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Liangkai Chen, PhD, an associate professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China, and the lead author of the study, highlights the significance of this finding:
"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."
To reach this conclusion, researchers examined data from close to half a million individuals from the U.K. Biobank and tracked their transportation methods as well as sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics for a median of 13 years. Participants were categorized into four groups: nonactive (using a car, motor vehicle, or public transit like a bus), walkers, those using mixed transport, and bicycle riders.
Chen and his team discovered that regular bicycle riders had a significantly lower dementia and Alzheimer's disease risk than those who walked, drove, or took the bus. Moreover, they found that regular cycling was also linked to preserving more volume in the hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory formation that is among the first regions impacted by dementia.
"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," stated Chen.
The study’s findings add to existing evidence linking aerobic exercise to cognitive improvements and a lower risk of dementia, suggesting that the type of exercise might play a role in this relationship. Further research is planned to explore how changes in cycling behavior could impact brain health trajectories and whether the benefits apply to a diverse range of populations.
When asked about the implications of this research, Peter Gliebus, MD, director of cognitive and behavioral neurology at the Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, remarked:
"This study provides compelling evidence that active travel modes, particularly cycling, can significantly reduce the risk of dementia and improve brain health. It highlights the potential of simple, accessible lifestyle changes to have a meaningful impact on cognitive health, which is especially important for older adults."
For those who aren't already cycling but wish to get started, some expert tips include:
- Begin with short, flat rides to build confidence and stamina.
- Safety should always be a priority, with the use of a properly fitted helmet, bright-colored clothing, adjusting the bicycle for comfort and stability, and following traffic laws.
- Choose a bike that's well-suited to your needs, whether it's a step-through frame, hybrid, cruiser, or an electric bike. A professional bike fitting is highly recommended.
- Bike in safe areas such as bike paths or quiet streets.
- Gradually increase distance and intensity to avoid overexertion.
- Properly warm up and cool down before and after each ride to improve flexibility and prevent muscle soreness.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially during warm weather.
- Make cycling enjoyable by riding with friends or joining a local cycling group.
- Cycling is a low-impact exercise, minimizing stress on joints, making it ideal for older adults who might not be able to tolerate higher-impact activities.
Ultimately, cycling may offer a practical, accessible lifestyle change with the potential to significantly reduce the risk of dementia and improve brain health, making it well worth considering as an additional tool in the pursuit of optimal brain health.
- Neurology and aging studies have linked cycling to a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, highlighting its potential as a key factor in reducing the risk of neurological disorders.
- As an exercise, cycling has proven to improve heart health, reduce stress, aid in weight loss, lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, and even reduce the risk of certain cancers.
- A recent study published in a prestigious journal found that those who use cycling as their main mode of transportation enjoy an additional benefit: a 19% lower risk of all-cause dementia and a 22% lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.
- Liangkai Chen, the lead author of the study, explains that this lower risk likely stems from cycling's higher aerobic intensity and cognitive engagement, which may enhance neuroplasticity more than walking alone.
- The researchers examined data from nearly half a million individuals and found that regular bicycle riders had a significantly lower dementia and Alzheimer's disease risk than those who walked, drove, or took the bus.
- Additionally, the study found that regular cycling was linked to preserving more volume in the hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory formation that is among the first regions impacted by dementia.
- The study's findings reinforce existing evidence linking aerobic exercise to cognitive improvements and a lower risk of dementia, suggesting that the type of exercise may play a role in this relationship.
- Further research is planned to explore how changes in cycling behavior could impact brain health trajectories and whether the benefits apply to a diverse range of populations.
- Peter Gliebus, director of cognitive and behavioral neurology, remarked that the study provides compelling evidence that active travel modes, particularly cycling, can significantly reduce the risk of dementia and improve brain health.
- For those who aren't already cycling but wish to get started, safety, comfort, and choosing the right bike are essential considerations.
- Tips include starting with short, flat rides, using a properly fitted helmet, adjusting the bicycle for comfort and stability, and following traffic laws.
- Cycling is a low-impact exercise that minimizes stress on joints, making it ideal for older adults who may not be able to tolerate higher-impact activities, and an accessible lifestyle change with potential benefits for mental and physical health, including skin care, fitness and exercise, sexual health, mental health, men's health, women's health, workplace-wellness, health and wellness, nutrition, therapies and treatments, and even Medicare coverage in some cases, like the use of CBD oil for neurological disorders.
