A new University of Georgia study finds that consistent physical activity may significantly slow cognitive decline in adults over 50.
Researchers from UGA’s College of Public Health analyzed data from more than 13,000 participants in the national Health and Retirement Study.
Lead author Suhang Song said that frequent, long-term engagement in physical activities, from running and gardening to vacuuming and household repairs, was linked to slower mental decline. The benefits increased the longer participants stayed active.
“Even modest improvements add up,” said Song, an assistant professor in health policy and management. “Over time, this could delay dementia by years and help people live independently longer.”
The findings suggest that encouraging everyday movement could be one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect brain health as people age.
