A recent study conducted by a team of geriatricians, neurologists, nutritionists, and public health specialists from China, along with colleagues from Australia, has shed light on the potential benefits of bicycling in reducing the risk of developing dementia among older adults. Published in the journal JAMA Network Open, the study analyzed data from the UK Biobank to investigate the impact of different modes of transportation on dementia rates.
Previous research has indicated that regular exercise and engagement in spatial navigation activities can help slow the progression of dementia. In this study, the researchers aimed to identify which activities related to both exercise and spatial navigation could be most beneficial in this regard.
The team examined health records of 479,723 individuals with an average age of 56.5 years, who were initially healthy and showed no signs of dementia. Over a 13-year period, the researchers tracked the participants’ health outcomes and compared the rates of dementia development based on their typical mode of transportation (excluding commuting to and from work).
The findings revealed that individuals who regularly rode a bicycle for transportation had lower rates of dementia compared to those who walked, drove, or took the bus. Furthermore, bicycling was associated with the retention of hippocampal volume, a critical brain region for memory and spatial navigation. The reduced risk of dementia was observed across different types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, young-onset, and late-onset.
Interestingly, individuals without the APOE ε4 gene variant experienced even greater benefits from bicycling, while those with the variant also derived some advantages, although to a lesser extent. The study emphasized the significant role of bicycling, either as the primary mode of transportation or in combination with other forms of travel, in promoting brain health and reducing the risk of dementia.
This article was written by Bob Yirka, edited by Lisa Lock, and fact-checked by Robert Egan. It underscores the importance of independent science journalism and encourages readers to consider supporting this work through donations. The study, titled “Active Travel Mode and Incident Dementia and Brain Structure,” was published in JAMA Network Open.
For more information, you can access the original study by Cunpeng Hou et al. in JAMA Network Open. This article is © 2025 Science X Network.
In summary, the study highlights the potential benefits of bicycling in reducing the risk of dementia and preserving brain health, particularly among older adults. Incorporating bicycling into daily transportation routines may offer significant advantages in maintaining cognitive function and overall well-being.
