A significant study involving nearly half a million adults has revealed that cycling not only enhances physical health but also plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of dementia—a brain condition characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline.
According to researchers, individuals who regularly cycle demonstrate a 19 percent reduced risk of developing dementia overall. Notably, among those already in the early stages of the disease, the risk was found to be reduced by as much as 40 percent.
The study also identified a positive impact of cycling on brain structure. MRI scans conducted as part of the research indicated that frequent cyclists possess a larger hippocampus—the area of the brain vital for memory and learning. Scientists believe that maintaining the volume of the hippocampus helps preserve essential cognitive functions such as memory retention and decision-making.
Even individuals with genetic predispositions to dementia, such as carriers of the APOE E4 gene, were observed to benefit from cycling. For this specific group, the risk of developing dementia was 26 percent lower compared to non-cyclists with the same genetic profile.
“These findings offer promising insight into how lifestyle interventions like regular cycling can delay or potentially prevent the onset of dementia,” the researchers noted. They further explained, “Cycling improves blood flow to the brain, reduces inflammation, and supports neural health—all of which are critical in maintaining cognitive function.”
These results contribute to the increasing body of evidence suggesting that physical activity, and cycling in particular, may serve as a protective factor against age-related neurodegenerative conditions.
Public health experts have subsequently called for increased investment in cycle-friendly infrastructure and public awareness campaigns. The goal is to encourage more people to adopt cycling as part of a long-term strategy to combat the rising global incidence of dementia cases.
