A new study suggests that people who engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity are less likely to develop dementia, stroke, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. The research, published on February 27, 2025, will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting in April.
Key Findings: Exercise Helps, Sitting Hurts
The study also found that people who spend more time sitting have a higher risk of developing these conditions.
Dr. Jia-Yi Wu, the study’s lead author from Fudan University in Shanghai, China, explains:
“This research shows that physical activity and sitting time are factors that people can control to improve brain health and reduce the risk of these diseases. Encouraging lifestyle changes could help lessen the burden of these conditions in the future.”
How the Study Was Conducted
Researchers used data from 73,411 adults in the UK, with an average age of 56. Participants wore accelerometer devices for seven days to track their movement, activity levels, and sitting time.
Energy used during activity was measured using metabolic equivalents (METs):
- Light activities, like slow walking or standing, use fewer METs.
- Moderate activities, such as walking or cleaning, are around 3 METs.
- Vigorous activities, like cycling, can be 6 METs or more, depending on intensity.
How Much Activity Reduces Risk?
The study found that people who exercised more had a 14% to 40% lower risk of developing these diseases compared to those who were less active. The specific energy expenditure for each group was:
- 1.22 kilojoules per kilogram per day → People who did not develop these diseases.
- 0.85 → Those who developed dementia.
- 0.95 → Those who developed sleep disorders.
- 1.02 → Those who had a stroke.
- 1.08 → Those diagnosed with depression.
- 1.10 → Those diagnosed with anxiety.
In contrast, the more time people spent sitting, the higher their risk—ranging from 5% to 54% greater risk for these diseases.
Why This Study Is Important
Many past studies relied on self-reported activity levels, which can be inaccurate. This study used wearable devices to track movement, providing more reliable data. Dr. Wu believes this will help researchers better assess risk factors and develop preventive strategies.
Study Limitations
One limitation is that 96% of participants were white, meaning the results might not apply to other racial or ethnic groups. More research is needed to confirm whether these findings hold true for a diverse population.
Final Thoughts
This study reinforces what health experts have long advised:
- Regular physical activity is key to reducing the risk of brain and mental health disorders.
- Sitting too much can be harmful, increasing the likelihood of these diseases.
Making simple lifestyle changes—such as walking more, exercising regularly, and reducing sitting time—could significantly improve overall brain health and well-being.
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