Could a simple, everyday activity really help protect your brain as you age?
According to a major new study, the answer is a resounding yes—and the activity in question is one that many of us already enjoy.
It is an activity that is easy to incorporate into daily life, offering more than just physical benefits.
Cycling: More than just a way to get around
The study, conducted by scientists at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, followed almost 500,000 Britons with an average age of 56 over a 13-year period.
Participants were asked about their main mode of transport—whether they cycled, drove, took public transport, or walked—and their health outcomes were tracked over the years.
The results were striking. Those who used cycling as their primary way of getting around were 19 per cent less likely to develop any form of dementia compared to those who relied on more sedentary modes of transport, such as cars, buses, or trains.
Even more impressively, regular cyclists were 40 per cent less likely to develop young-onset dementia, a form of the disease that is on the rise and can have a devastating impact on individuals and families.
When it came to Alzheimer’s disease specifically—the most common cause of dementia—cycling was linked to a 22 per cent reduction in risk.
Why does cycling help the brain?
So, what is it about cycling that seems to offer such powerful protection for our brains? The researchers suggest several reasons.
First, the physical activity involved in cycling boosts blood flow to the brain, which helps reduce inflammation and supports overall brain health.
It also helps combat conditions like obesity, which are known risk factors for dementia.
But there is more to it than just the physical benefits. Cycling also requires you to stay alert, navigate traffic, and plan your route—all of which give your brain a workout.
In fact, the study found that frequent cyclists had a larger hippocampus, the part of the brain crucial for memory and learning.
Genetics aren’t destiny
One of the most encouraging findings from the study is that even people with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s—specifically those carrying the APOE-e4 gene—can still benefit from cycling.
While the protective effect was slightly less pronounced in this group, it was still significant.
This is great news for anyone worried about their family history of dementia.
A growing problem—and a simple solution?
Dementia is a growing concern, both in Australia and around the world.
In the United Kingdom (UK), nearly a million people are living with dementia, and the numbers are rising rapidly.
Young-onset dementia, which affects people under 65, has increased by 69 per cent in the past decade.
The costs—both financial and emotional—are staggering, with families often bearing the brunt.
Here in Australia, dementia is the second leading cause of death, and the leading cause of death for women.
With our population ageing, the need for effective prevention strategies has never been greater.
Limitations and what we still don’t know
Of course, no study is perfect. The researchers point out that they only looked at participants’ transport habits over a four-week period, so it is possible that people’s routines changed over the 13 years of follow-up.
And because the study is observational, it cannot prove that cycling directly causes the reduction in dementia risk—it is possible that other factors are at play.
Still, the findings fit with a growing body of research showing that staying active, both physically and mentally, is one of the best things you can do for your brain as you age.
It’s never too late to start
If you are not already a cyclist, do not worry—it is never too late to start.
Whether you are pedalling to the shops, joining a local cycling group, or just enjoying a leisurely ride around the park, every bit of activity counts.
And if cycling is not your thing, the key message is to find ways to stay active and engaged, both physically and mentally.
Your turn: Have you noticed the benefits?
We would love to hear from you. Have you taken up cycling or another active hobby in mid-life?
Have you noticed any changes in your memory, mood, or overall wellbeing? Or do you have tips for others looking to get started?
Share your experiences and advice in the comments below—your story could inspire someone else to get moving and protect their brain for years to come.
Also read: Study: Dementia risk drops when you start the MIND diet—here’s how
