National Cyclist Day: Cycling Linked to Lower Dementia and Alzheimer Risk

National Cyclist Day, marked on 19 August, puts the bicycle in a broader context: not only as a way to get around, but also as a form of physical activity and a potential lifelong ally for health. Recent research adds to the evidence that staying active is linked not just to greater day-to-day independence, but also to stronger indicators of longevity and protection of brain function.

Published in the scientific journal JAMA Network Open, the study “Active Travel Mode and Incident Dementia and Brain Structure” found that travelling by bicycle (either alone or combined with other active modes) was associated with a 19% lower risk of all-cause dementia and a 22% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Neurologist Dr Philipe Marques da Cunha, a lecturer at Afya Medical Education Belo Horizonte, says the reasons involve a mix of physical and mental mechanisms.

“Beyond the already well-known benefits of physical activity, such as improved cerebral circulation, a reduction in factors linked to inflammation, and stimulation of the release of substances that support neuronal plasticity, cycling also demands balance, motor coordination, attention, and planning ability. In this way, cycling provides physical and cognitive stimulation at the same time,” he says.

Healthy habits protect the brain throughout life

According to the study, the associated reduction reached 40% for young-onset dementia, diagnosed before age 65, and 17% for late-onset dementia, after age 65. Dr Philipe Marques Cunha highlights that this finding is especially important because it underlines the value of lifestyle habits for brain health across the whole of adult life, not only in later years.

In his view, many Alzheimer’s cases are linked to a lack of healthy habits during adolescence. “Younger people who are overweight, for example, should pay attention because this is a chronic metabolic and inflammatory condition that can affect many organs, including the brain. Adipose tissue, especially around the abdomen, produces inflammatory substances and changes hormonal and metabolic mechanisms that influence how the brain uses glucose and responds to insulin,” he adds.

Benefits of cycling that go beyond mobility

In Brazil, the habit of cycling is already a clear feature of everyday life. A survey carried out by the clean energy company Descarbonize showed that seven in ten cyclists say they use this mode of transport at least once a week, with an average frequency of three rides per week.

The survey also found that 8% of the population uses the bike daily as their main mode of travel, and that 75% of Brazilians notice cyclists passing through their urban routes every day.

To explain these positive effects on the body in more detail, Dr Melissa Ulhôa, a physiology lecturer at Afya Ipatinga, sets out the main benefits of cycling for physical and mental health:

1. Cardiorespiratory and metabolic improvement

The heart works more efficiently, the body’s ability to use oxygen improves, and fatigue decreases. Regular practice also supports blood pressure control and improves how muscles use glucose.

2. Strengthening and muscular independence

Thighs, glutes, and calves are continuously engaged during cycling. For older adults, maintaining lower-limb endurance is crucial for independence in walking and everyday activities.

3. Mental health and social wellbeing

Leaving the house and doing outdoor activities encourages social interaction. Studies such as “The effect of cycling on cognitive function and well-being in older adults”, published in the scientific journal Plos One, indicate that just eight weeks of outdoor cycling can support cognitive functions-an effect also seen with electric bicycles, an excellent option for people with physical limitations.

4. Reduced mortality in older adults

Data from the study “Changes in cycling and incidences of functional disability and mortality among older Japanese adults”, conducted by researchers at the University of Tsukuba and published in the scientific journal Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, showed that regular cycling significantly reduced mortality rates and the need for long-term care in later life, helping to maintain the ability to get around.

“For older people, consistency matters more than intensity. You don’t need to cycle hard to benefit-you need to cycle regularly. However, it’s worth emphasising that cycling does not replace strength training, which remains essential for preventing falls and ensuring a rapid muscular response as we age,” concludes Dr Melissa Ulhôa.

By Matheus Garcia