🧠 Associations Physical Activity With Dementia, Anxiety, and Depression Among Older Adults (Journal of the American Geriatrics Society)

Published In: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
Date: February 2025
Authors: Stulberg et al.
Link to Study: https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.19383

Summary
This study examined older adults aged 70 and up and found that those who maintained or increased their daily physical activity had better mental health outcomes. Using wearable devices to objectively measure activity, researchers discovered that more physical activity was linked to lower odds of dementia and, if activity increased, fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety. On the other hand, a decrease in activity was associated with a higher risk of dementia.

Key Takeaways
✅ Just 20 more minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day was linked to a lower chance of developing dementia.
✅ Increasing physical activity over one year was associated with reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
✅ A drop in activity over time raised the risk of developing dementia.
✅ These findings were based on real-time movement data from wearable devices, not self-reports.
✅ Regular, sustained movement, even later in life, may support brain and emotional health.

Why It Matters for You
Staying or becoming more physically active, even by just 20 minutes a day, could help protect your brain from cognitive decline and boost your mood as you age.
It’s never too late to start moving more.

Citation
Stulberg, E. L., Chou, L.-N., Gore, S., Conroy, M. B., Majersik, J. J., Hunzinger, K. J., LaPoint, A., Sandhu, M. K., Schneider, A. L. C., & Kumar, A. (2025). Associations of accelerometer‐measured physical activity with dementia, anxiety, and depression among older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 0(0), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.19383