A 40-year study shows higher physical activity in midlife and late life dramatically reduces dementia risk, highlighting movement as one of the most powerful brain-protective habits. getty

A recent long-term study published in JAMA found that adults who remain physically active during midlife and older adulthood may reduce their risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, by as much as 45%. These findings suggest that cognitive decline is not solely determined by genetics, emphasizing that midlife and beyond are critical periods when lifestyle choices can significantly impact long-term brain health.

Researchers followed more than 4,000 adults across three life stages—early adulthood (ages 26–44), midlife (45–64), and late life (65–88)—for up to 37 years. They examined whether di

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