The study was published in a journal and included about 480,000 participants from the biobank, according to the Times of India. The researchers followed the participants, who had an average age of 56, over more than 13 years. During this period, approximately 8,845 people developed dementia, and 3,956 were diagnosed with a disease. Despite these promising results, researchers warned that cycling is not a direct cure for dementia, noting that the participants were generally healthier at the beginning of the study, and the results may not apply to all groups or races.
On the other hand, the study showed surprising results regarding walking, as it was associated with a slight decrease in dementia risk by 6%, but it was linked to a 14% increase in Alzheimer’s risk. Doctors attributed this to the possibility that people who walk a lot might experience unnoticed cognitive or balance issues.
Neurologists emphasized that the study highlights the importance of physical activity in supporting health. Experts recommend cycling several times a week, even for short distances or using stationary bikes at home. The World Health Organization also supports these recommendations, advising adults to engage in 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly, or 75 to 150 minutes of intense activity.
