One Common Type of Physical Activity Linked to Higher Dementia Risk
The study lead told Newsweek: "The social and commercial determinants of physical activity are complex and multifaceted."
A new study suggests that the type of physical activity a person engages in may play a significant role in their risk of developing dementia. Researchers analyzed data from over 4.2 million participants across 30 countries and found that leisure-time exercise, such as walking, cycling, running, swimming and sports, was linked to a 24% lower risk of dementia compared to those who were least active.
However, physical activity performed as part of a person's job was associated with a 20% higher risk of dementia. The study, published in The Lancet Public Health, challenges the idea that "every move counts" for brain health, as occupational physical activity often involves repetitive, low-complexity tasks that may limit cognitive reserve and occur in environments with hazardous exposures like air and noise pollution.
Natan Feter, the study's first author, emphasized that the social and commercial determinants of physical activity are complex and warrant further investigation, as workers in manual occupations may have fewer opportunities for recreational exercise due to fatigue, time constraints, or limited access to safe places for physical activity.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
