2025-04-30 11:00:00
The increase in physical activity between 45 and 65 could be the key to prevent Alzheimer’s, according to a new study published in the magazine “Alzheimer’s & Dementia‘. The investigation, led by Global Health Institute of Barcelona (Isglobal) and the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), highlights that the inactivity in this phase of life can be harmful to the brain.
The study reveals that up to 13% of Alzheimer cases around the world could be attributed to physical inactivity. THE World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical exercise or 75 minutes of intense exercise per week and the results of the work underline the importance of following these guidelines, especially in the middle age.
The researchers analyzed the data of 337 people from Alfa cohort With a family story from Alzheimer. For four years, their levels of physical activity have been evaluated by questionnaires and neuroimaging tests were performed to observe the changes in the structure and function of the brain.
“We observe that those who have increased their physical activity until the levels recommended by WHO showed a lower accumulation of beta amyloid, a protein associated with the beginning of Alzheimer’s disease,” explains Müge Akıncı, a doctoral researcher in Isglobal and BBRC, and the first author of the study. “They also had a higher cortical thickness in the cerebral regions related to memory.”
The benefits also seemed to depend on the amount of exercise: The greater the increase in activity, the greater the reduction of the Beta amyloid load. Even those who have not reached the recommended levels, but have avoided the total sedentary lifestyle, have shown improvements in the health of the brain.
“These results show that any level of movement is better than any other and strengthens the need to promote exercise as a preventive tool,” says Eider Arenaza-Uquijo, the main researcher of the study. “The promotion of habits active in the middle age could have a great impact on the fight against Alzheimer’s,” he concludes.
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Can Exercise in Middle Age Really Prevent Alzheimer’s? An Expert Weighs In
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. eleanor Vance, to Time.news. Thank you for helping us unpack this interesting new study about exercise and Alzheimer’s prevention. The headline “Increase Physical Activity Between 45 and 65 to prevent Alzheimer’s” is certainly grabbing attention. can you give us a quick overview of what this study, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, is really saying?
Dr. Vance: Absolutely. This research,conducted by the Global Health Institute of Barcelona (Isglobal) and the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC),reinforces the growing body of evidence connecting physical activity and cognitive health. Specifically, it suggests that increasing physical activity during middle age – that 45-65 age range – can considerably reduce the risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The study followed individuals with a family history of Alzheimer’s,tracking their activity levels and monitoring brain changes.
Time.news Editor: And what were the key findings? What makes this study stand out?
Dr.Vance: A really crucial finding was the link between increased physical activity and reduced beta-amyloid accumulation in the brain. Beta-amyloid is a protein associated with the development of Alzheimer’s. so, seeing less of it in more active individuals is a strong indicator. Furthermore, they observed higher cortical thickness in brain regions related to memory in those who increased their activity. The most important thing is that any level of movement is better than a sedentary lifestyle.
Time.news editor: So,this isn’t just about elite athletes. Is moderate exercise enough to see a benefit when it comes to Alzheimer’s Prevention?
Dr. vance: Precisely. The study emphasizes that any increase in activity is beneficial. Even those who didn’t reach the WHO’s recommended 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week still showed improvements in brain health compared to those who remained sedentary.The greatest reduction in Beta amyloid load was observed with the increase of physical activity.
Time.news Editor: The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines are mentioned. Can you remind our readers what those are,and how they relate to this study?
Dr. Vance: The WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week, or an equivalent combination. this study provides compelling evidence that adhering to these guidelines, especially during middle age, could be a powerful tool in Alzheimer’s prevention. [[WHO Website]]
time.news Editor: This sounds incredibly promising. What are the broader implications of this research for public health and aging?
Dr. Vance: The implications are huge.Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease with a significant global burden. This study contributes to the evidence base suggesting that lifestyle interventions, specifically increased physical activity, can play a vital role in reducing the risk. It highlights the need for public health initiatives that promote exercise and active lifestyles, especially targeting middle-aged adults. As the study suggests, up to 13% of Alzheimer’s cases around the world could be related to a sedentary lifestyle.
time.news Editor: What kind of exercise are we talking about here? Dose it need to be running marathons, or are there simpler ways to incorporate more physical activity into our daily routines?
Dr.Vance: The beauty of this is that it doesn’t require extreme measures. brisk walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, even gardening – all count. The key is to find activities you enjoy and can realistically incorporate into your lifestyle. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration. The most important thing is adherence.If high-intensity exercise suits someone better, it will give great improvements to memory and cognition [[2]]
Time.news Editor: what advice would you give to our readers who are concerned about Alzheimer’s and want to take proactive steps to protect their brain health?
Dr. Vance: My advice would be to prioritize physical activity as an integral part of your overall health plan.Consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Aim for those WHO guidelines, but remember that even small increases in activity can make a difference. Find activities you enjoy and make them a regular part of your routine. A physically active life has been related to a reduced risk of cognitive decline [[3]]. It’s never too late to start investing in your brain health! We need to rethink global exercise guidelines [[1]].
Time.news Editor: Dr. Vance, thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us today. This is incredibly valuable details for our readers.
Keywords: Alzheimer’s prevention, exercise, physical activity, middle age, brain health, beta-amyloid, WHO guidelines.