The Association between Physical Activity Levels and Neurodegenerative Disease among Elderly in the United States

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was investigating the relationship between participating in Vigorous, Moderate, and Mild Physical Activity and the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's among older adults.
Methods: The survey data from the years 2020 of Health and Retirement Study Consumption and Activities Mail Survey (HRS CAMS) was used. The HRS CAMS includes some information of demographic characteristics, frequency and intensity of physical activity, and medical background including dementia and Alzheimer's diseases. A regression model was used to test whether vigorous, moderate, and mild physical activity was associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Results: The sample (n = 8806) was predominantly female (54.7%) and white (60.8%) with a mean age (SD) of 70.4 years old. When controlled for covariates, the findings show Vigorous PA were more likely to have 18 percent higher Alzheimer’s. Similarly, those who did not participate in Vigorous PA was associated with 15 percent higher chance of dementia.
Conclusions: We observed a significant association between vigorous, moderate, and mild physical activity and dementia and Alzheimer among older adults. Moreover, we figured out that those people who are not active physically are more likely to get Alzheimer's and dementia. Based on the results of this study, promotion of PA might reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's in older adults.