The physical activity paradox: not all forms of exercise lower your dementia risk – this type raises it

A large new review of studies, reported by The Conversation (UK), finds that not all physical activity protects the brain equally. Leisure-time exercise like sports or dancing was linked to a twenty-four percent lower risk of dementia, while housework was linked to a fifteen percent lower risk. But physical activity done on the job was associated with a twenty percent higher risk, and active commuting with a ten percent higher risk — a pattern researchers call the physical activity paradox. The review, published in The Lancet Public Health, pooled data from seventy-four studies covering more than four point two million people across thirty countries. Researchers suggest factors like education, pollution exposure, and income inequality may help explain why work-related activity doesn't offer the same brain benefits, and they call for more research in low-income countries.

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton