Leading an active lifestyle, particularly before the age of 50, changes the brain in a way that could prevent dementia, according to a new study.
The findings suggest this could be down to exercise helping to preserve the volume in the area of the brain that contributes to thinking and memory, researchers said.
People who exercised throughout life were also less likely to experience cognitive decline even if they had key markers of Alzheimer’s disease, such as a build-up of the protein amyloid in the brain.
For the study, researchers analysed data from Insight46, a sub-study of the National Survey of Health and Development, which has followed 5,362 people since their birth in England, Scotland and Wales during one week in March 1946.
About 468 people – aged 70 at the time – were included in the analysis.
“When we’re thinking about brain changes, one of the biggest predictors of how big your brain volume is age," said Dr Sarah-Naomi James, who is based at the UCL Dementia Research Centre and MRC unit for lifelong health and ageing at University College London. “So the fact that we’ve got exactly the same people born in the same week takes that into account.”
The team collected information on how many times a person took part in activities such as walking, swimming, cricket, rugby and football over the course of three decades, before and after they turned 50. Brain scans taken when participants were aged 70 were then analysed.
The study found exercising throughout life was “associated with better cognitive functioning at age 70, even in those with early markers of Alzheimer’s disease”, with the benefits more pronounced in women.
People who reported exercising once or more a month before the age of 50 tended to have less shrinking in the hippocampus, the part of the brain that helps with learning and memory.
“It’s a really important part of the brain, and we’re showing that it’s actually larger," Dr James added. “We call it preservation of this area of the brain that is usually starting to decline and that is responsible for the early signs of dementia.”
The benefits of activity before the age of 50 could be linked to the intensity of exercise and the kinds of activity people were doing in their 30s and 40s, Dr James said, although more research is needed to confirm this.
While future studies may “shed light on the mechanisms of physical activity as a potential disease-modifying intervention”, Dr James said her team’s findings, published in Brain Communications, “add a little bit about the question of how, or why”.
“Why is exercise good for us? It makes intuitive sense, but we still actually don’t know lots about. We call it the mechanisms, the pathways – what is it about being physically active that is good for for our brain,” she added.
“For instance, we look at something like dementia and we say, ‘there’s a pattern that we can see replicated lots of times. People who are physically active, they’re less likely to have dementia’. But what we’re showing is that even before they have dementia, they are able to tolerate and keep their cognitive function, regardless of if they start to have the early signs in the brain.
“It might be to do this preservation of the specific area of the brain. And then also you’re able to tolerate the pathology for longer. So it means that perhaps we’re not changing the disease itself, but we’re changing perhaps when you might start to develop symptoms.”
According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, which funded the study alongside the the Medical Research Council, about 982,000 people are estimated to be living with dementia in the UK. This figure is projected to rise to more than 1.4 million in 2040.
“It’s never too late, it’s never too early. People who are active, it’s really good for your brain," Dr James said. “But actually, even if you are later in life and even starting to have disease symptoms, it could still be beneficial.”
She said she would like policies to emphasise “the importance of access to physical activity throughout the life”.
“We can think about policies around schools, which is really important, but especially thinking about throughout the life – the early 30s, when people are starting to juggle careers and families. Then thinking about the 50s, and health is changing but we need to adapt and be physically active,” Dr James said.
David Thomas, head of policy and public affairs at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Dementia is not just an inevitable part of ageing, and finding ways to prevent people from ever developing it is a vital part of our mission for a cure.
“While there is no sure-fire way to prevent dementia, there are some things within our control that can reduce our risk, including keeping active and looking after our heart health, challenging our brains and keeping connected to the people around us.
“The evidence shows that it’s never too early or late to start making positive changes.”
If you go
The flights
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
The trip
Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
The biog
Family: He is the youngest of five brothers, of whom two are dentists.
Celebrities he worked on: Fabio Canavaro, Lojain Omran, RedOne, Saber Al Rabai.
Where he works: Liberty Dental Clinic
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
The Freedom Artist
By Ben Okri (Head of Zeus)
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
RACE CARD
5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,400m
5.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh70,000 1,000m
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 2,000m
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 2,000m
7pm: Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
7.30pm: Al Ain Mile Group 3 (PA) Dh350,000 1,600m
8pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Amith's selections:
5pm: AF Sail
5.30pm: Dahawi
6pm: Taajer
6.30pm: Pharitz Oubai
7pm: Winked
7.30pm: Shahm
8pm: Raniah
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Manchester City transfers:
OUTS
Pablo Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, Willy Caballero and Jesus Navas (all released)
INS
Ederson (Benfica) £34.7m, Bernardo Silva (Monaco) £43m
ON THEIR WAY OUT?
Joe Hart, Eliaquim Mangala, Samir Nasri, Wilfried Bony, Fabian Delph, Nolito and Kelechi Iheanacho
ON THEIR WAY IN?
Dani Alves (Juventus), Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
RACE CARD
6.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Dirt) 1,200m
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,900m
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (D) 2,000m
8.15pm: Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (D) 1,600m
8.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,400m
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
UAE rugby season
FIXTURES
West Asia Premiership
Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Knights Eagles
Dubai Tigers v Bahrain
Jebel Ali Dragons v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Division 1
Dubai Sharks v Dubai Hurricanes II
Al Ain Amblers v Dubai Knights Eagles II
Dubai Tigers II v Abu Dhabi Saracens
Jebel Ali Dragons II v Abu Dhabi Harlequins II
Sharjah Wanderers v Dubai Exiles II
LAST SEASON
West Asia Premiership
Winners – Bahrain
Runners-up – Dubai Exiles
UAE Premiership
Winners – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners-up – Jebel Ali Dragons
Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners – Dubai Hurricanes
Runners-up – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Conference
Winners – Dubai Tigers
Runners-up – Al Ain Amblers
Sting & Shaggy
44/876
(Interscope)
