Is cycling the best sport for the brain?

According to a large study conducted by British scientists, cycling in everyday life is not only beneficial for physical health, but also for brain function. In particular, cycling is very effective in combating memory loss and cognitive decline with age.

The study involved 480,000 people, who were followed for more than 13 years. Scientists analyzed the participants' movement patterns, type of transport, genetic characteristics and changes in brain structure using MRI scans.

How did the different movement groups differ?

The participants were divided into four groups:

• Inactive - mainly using personal or public transport;
  
• Walkers - those who chose daily walking;
  
• Cyclists - those who chose cycling as their main mode of transport;
  
• Combinators - those who used a combination of different modes of transport.
  

The results showed that among those who cycled or combined this type of transport with others, the risk of dementia was 19 percent lower and Alzheimer's disease was 22 percent lower. Even in the structure of the brain, cyclists were found to have a significantly larger hippocampus (the center responsible for memory).

Did walking have the opposite effect?

Interestingly, those who regularly walked were 14 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. This result does not mean that walking is harmful, but rather that it is less beneficial than cycling.

There is an effect regardless of genetic factors

The study also showed that even in people with a hereditary predisposition to dementia, active movement had a beneficial effect on the brain. Those who do not have the APOE ε4 gene benefited even more from cycling.

Conclusion: an active life is a guarantee of a healthy brain

Therefore, experts recommend using bicycles instead of cars in everyday life, increasing physical activity and combining such activity with proper nutrition, adequate sleep and social contacts to support brain function. Because, along with the body, the brain also gets strength from movement. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!