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Long-term cumulative physical activity associated with less cognitive decline: Evidence from a 16-year cohort study
Suhang Song1, Meng Hsuan Sung2, Diana Diaz2
1Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer'S Disease
|May 1, 2025
Summary
Long-term physical activity (PA) engagement significantly delays cognitive decline. Consistent participation over many years offers progressive protection for memory and executive function, supporting brain health.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Physical activity (PA) is linked to delayed cognitive decline.
- The impact of long-term, cumulative PA (cPA) on cognitive trajectories is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cumulative physical activity and cognitive change over time.
- To determine if long-term PA engagement influences the rate of cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study using Health and Retirement Study data (2004-2020).
- Global cognition assessed via memory and executive function tests.
- Cumulative PA (cPA) calculated using area under the curve of MET-adjusted PA.
- Generalized linear mixed models analyzed cPA and cognitive change.
Main Results:
- 13,450 cognitively healthy participants with an average 11.06-year follow-up.
- Higher cPA significantly delayed declines in global cognition, memory, and executive function (p<.001).
- Protective effects of cPA on cognition increased throughout the 16-year study period.
Conclusions:
- Sustained physical activity engagement over extended periods is crucial for maintaining cognitive function.
- Longer duration of PA participation is associated with progressively slower cognitive decline.
- This suggests PA is a key factor in preserving brain health across the lifespan.
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