A little movement in midlife could pay off for your brain years later
A study from UT Health San Antonio suggests that physical activity and healthy blood sugar levels in midlife are linked to slower cognitive decline. The research highlights that these benefits may manifest differently across ethnic groups, specifically impacting Hispanic and non-Hispanic white populations.
Why it matters
Identifying modifiable lifestyle factors for cognitive health could significantly reduce the future burden of Alzheimer's and dementia in aging populations.
Physical activity and healthy blood sugar levels during midlife may be linked to a significantly slower decline in thinking abilities later in life, according to new research from UT Health San Antonio, the academic health center of The University of Texas at San Antonio. The findings suggest that exercise may be especially important for Hispanic adults.
Scientists already know that cardiovascular problems in midlife can raise the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. This study is among the first to investigate how specific cardiovascular health factors may relate to cognitive aging across different ethnic groups.
Researchers analyzed 402 people from San Antonio. Of the participants, 52% were Hispanic, and the rest were non-Hispanic white. Their mean age was 57.9, and 58.5% were women.
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