Overview
- Boston University researchers tracked more than 4,300 Framingham Offspring participants across early adulthood, midlife and late life for averages of 37, 26 and 14 years, during which 567 developed dementia.
- Those in the highest tiers of midlife moderate-to-vigorous activity had about a 41% lower risk of all-cause dementia over roughly 26 years.
- In adults aged 65 to 88, higher activity at any intensity was tied to approximately 36% to 45% lower dementia risk over about 15 years.
- APOE‑E4 analysis showed no clear midlife benefit for carriers, whereas later-life activity was associated with reduced risk for both carriers and noncarriers.
- Authors note self-reported activity and cohort demographics as limitations, and separate small-scale findings in Aging Cell suggest exercise may improve brain insulin signaling as a potential mechanism.