A recent study conducted by a team of researchers from China and Australia has shed light on the potential benefits of bicycling in reducing the risk of developing dementia among older individuals. The study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from the UK Biobank to investigate the impact of different modes of transportation on dementia rates.
The researchers focused on 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 team tracked the participants’ health outcomes and compared the rates of dementia development based on their usual mode of transportation (excluding commuting to and from work).
Interestingly, the findings revealed that individuals who regularly used bicycles for transportation had lower rates of dementia compared to those who walked, drove, or took the bus. Furthermore, cyclists showed greater retention of hippocampal volume, a key brain structure associated with memory and spatial navigation. The reduced risk of dementia was observed across all three types included in the study—Alzheimer’s, young-onset, and late-onset dementia.
The researchers also noted that individuals without the APOE ε4 gene variant, a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, experienced even greater benefits from bicycling. However, those with the gene variant still derived some protective effects, albeit to a lesser extent.
The study highlights the potential cognitive benefits of incorporating bicycling into daily routines, emphasizing the importance of regular physical activity and spatial navigation in maintaining brain health. These findings contribute valuable insights to the growing body of research on lifestyle factors that may influence dementia risk.
Written by Bob Yirka, edited by Lisa Lock, and reviewed by Robert Egan, this article underscores the significance of independent science journalism in disseminating important research findings. Readers are encouraged to support science journalism by making a donation to ensure the continued production of high-quality, ad-free content.
For more information, the study titled “Active Travel Mode and Incident Dementia and Brain Structure” can be accessed in JAMA Network Open (DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.14316).
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Bicycling tied to reduced dementia risk and greater hippocampal volume retention (2025, June 11)
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