Perimenopausal Physical Activity and Dementia Risk: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Mixed-gender studies dominate physical activity and dementia risk research.
• Menopause increases cognitive decline risk in females compared to males.
• Specific impact of physical activity on perimenopausal dementia risk needs clarification.

Approach:

• Systematic literature review of 14 studies across major databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, CINAHL).
• Analysis focused on perimenopausal physical activity (leisure, household, non-leisure) and late-life dementia risk.
• Examined dose-response relationships and causality, including reverse causation.

Key Points:

• Most studies show an inverse relationship between perimenopausal physical activity/fitness and dementia risk.
• Higher household and non-leisure physical activity also correlate with reduced dementia risk.
• A dose-response effect was observed, with ~10 MET-hours/week of leisure activity for significant risk reduction.

Conclusions:

• Evidence suggests physical activity may protect against post-menopausal dementia.
• Promoting perimenopausal physical activity is a potential strategy to mitigate cognitive decline.
• Further research supports physical activity's role in reducing dementia risk post-menopause.