The physical activity paradox: Not all forms of exercise lower your dementia risk. This type raises it
Not all physical activity is equal when it comes to protecting the brain from dementia. Where and why we move may matter more than most people realize.
A new review of 74 studies involving over 4.2 million people from 30 countries has found that not all forms of physical activity are equally effective at protecting the brain from dementia. While leisure-time physical activity, such as sports, dancing, or going to the gym, was associated with a 24% lower risk of dementia, occupational physical activity was linked to a 20% higher risk.
Researchers suggest that this "physical activity paradox" may be due to differences in education, workplace hazards, pollution exposure, stress, and the context in which the activity occurs. Leisure-time activity is a valuable resource, but physical activity at work may not provide the same protective effect and could even increase dementia risk.
More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between physical activity at work and dementia.
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