JAMA Netw Open

Higher physical activity in midlife and late life linked to lower dementia risk

November 24, 2025

A prospective cohort study that used data from the Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort found that individuals with the highest levels of physical activity in midlife and late life had a 41% and 45% lower risk of all-cause dementia, respectively, compared with those with the lowest activity levels. No significant association was observed between early adult–life physical activity and dementia risk. The protective effect was similar for Alzheimer disease dementia.

Clinical takeaway: Encourage patients to maintain regular physical activity throughout adulthood, with particular emphasis on midlife and later years to help support long-term cognitive health.

Source:

Marino FR, et al. (2025, November 19). JAMA Netw Open. Physical Activity Over the Adult Life Course and Risk of Dementia in the Framingham Heart Study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41259024/