Inactive young adults at ‘greater risk of mid-life dementia’
Young adults who shun exercise and spend large amounts of time in front of screens are twice as likely to have poor cognitive function in mid-life, according to a study.
The risk of cognitive decline by middle age, leading to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, is greatly increased if adults fail to embrace a healthy lifestyle from the ages of 18 to 30, found researchers who presented their work at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2015 in Washington, D.C.
Although physical activity is known to help guard against dementia in later life, little is known about the role it plays in early adulthood.
“Understanding this relationship in early adulthood may be particularly important because global data suggests levels of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are increasing,” said Tina Hoang of the Northern California Institute of Research and Education (NCIRE).
Hoang worked with her mentor – Kristine Yaffe, MD, of the University of California – and colleagues to investigate the association of long-term patterns of low physical activity and high television viewing time over 25 years with cognitive function at mid-life.
The researchers reported that study participants with low levels of physical activity over 25 years had significantly worse cognition in mid-life, adjusting for age, race, sex, education, smoking, alcohol, BMI, and hypertension. Similarly, participants with high levels of TV watching over 25 years also had significantly worse mid-life cognitive function. Study participants with both long-term low physical activity and high television viewing were almost two times more likely to have poor cognitive function in mid-life.
“Our findings demonstrate that even early- and mid-adulthood may be critical periods for promotion of physical activity for healthy cognitive ageing,” Hoang said.
“Sedentary behaviours, like TV viewing, could be especially relevant for future generations of adults due to the growing use of screen-based technologies. Because research indicates that Alzheimer’s and other dementias develop over several decades, increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour beginning in early adulthood may have a significant public health impact.”
Being overweight 'cuts risk of dementia'
Growing body of research for instant impact of exercise in combating dementia
Funding given to help research impact of exercise on dementia
Physical exercise 'prevents dementia'
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by



















