Physical activity in midlife and late life, not early adulthood, linked to significantly lower dementia risk.
Published In: JAMA Network Open
Date: November 2025
Authors: Marino, et al.
Link to Study: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2841638
Summary
This large, long-term study from the Framingham Heart Study followed adults for up to 37 years to examine how physical activity throughout life affects dementia risk. Researchers found that people who were more physically active in midlife (ages 45–64) and late life (ages 65–88) had significantly lower risks of developing all-cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, but early adult activity did not show the same benefit. The findings suggest that midlife and beyond are key times to stay active to help protect your brain.
Key Takeaways
✅ People most active in midlife had a 41% lower risk of dementia compared to the least active group.
✅ Those most active in late life had a 45% lower risk of dementia.
✅ Benefits were strongest for moderate or heavy activity in midlife.
✅ Even people with genetic risk (APOE ε4 carriers) saw benefits from staying active in late life.
Why It Matters for You
Staying physically active, especially in our 40s, 50s, and beyond, may help lower our risk of developing dementia. It’s never too late to start moving more to protect our brains.
Citation
Marino, F. R., Lyu, C., Li, Y., Liu, T., Au, R., & Hwang, P. H. (2025). Physical activity over the adult life course and risk of dementia in the Framingham Heart Study. JAMA Network Open, 8(11), e2544439. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2841638