Abstract
Introduction: We tested the hypotheses that higher levels of and persistence of midlife leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) are associated long-term with lower cognitive decline and less incident dementia. Methods: A total of 10,705 participants (mean age: 60 years) had LTPA (no, low, middle, or high) measured in 1987-1989 and 1993-1995. LTPA was assessed in relation to incident dementia and 14-year change in general cognitive performance. Results: Over a median follow-up of 17.4 years, 1063 dementia cases were observed. Compared with no LTPA, high LTPA in midlife was associated with lower incidence of dementia (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.71 [0.61, 0.86]) and lower declines in general cognitive performance (−0.07 standard deviation difference [−0.12 to −0.04]). These associations were stronger when measured against persistence of midlife LTPA over 6 years. Discussion: LTPA is a readily modifiable factor associated inversely with long-term dementia incidence and cognitive decline.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 273-281 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Alzheimer's and Dementia |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2019 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2018 the Alzheimer's Association
Keywords
- Cognitive decline
- Cohort study
- Dementia
- Epidemiology
- Physical activity