Unexpected effects of cycling on the brain

Cycling is not only good for the environment, it can also help prevent dementia.

Several previous studies have shown that physical activity - including cycling - is linked to a reduced risk of dementia.

People who commute by bike have a 19% lower risk of dementia from all causes than those who use passive modes of transportation like cars, buses, or trains, according to a new study published in the journal JAMA Network Open . That figure drops to 22% when considering Alzheimer's disease.

Cycling can increase the volume of the hippocampus - the area of ​​the brain responsible for memory and learning

Photo: AI

The 480,000 people in the UK were recruited between 2006 and 2010, as part of a project that tracked the health of more than 500,000 people aged 40 to 69. Participants completed questionnaires about their most common mode of transport for four weeks. Over a median follow-up period of 13.1 years, 8,845 people developed dementia and 3,956 developed Alzheimer's disease.

“Cycling can reduce the risk of dementia by improving cardiovascular health, increasing cerebral blood flow, and supporting neural adaptation,” said Dr. Joe Verghese, chair of the Department of Neurology at Stony Brook University (New York).

Cycling can also increase the volume of the hippocampus - the area of ​​the brain responsible for memory and learning. The study authors suggest that cycling requires more effort from the brain, which may contribute to its protection against dementia.

If you’re sedentary and want to start cycling, talk to your doctor to see if you’re fit enough to start right away or need to build up gradually, Dr. Verghese advises. “Start with short, safe routes and always wear a helmet. If possible, ride with a partner. You can also use a stationary bike to exercise at home if you’re worried about traffic.”

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tac-dung-bat-ngo-cua-dap-xe-voi-nao-bo-185250924150427125.htm