What are we trying to do?

A considerable amount of evidence from longitudinal observational studies exists that suggests remaining active in midlife can be protective of dementia in later life. However, evidence from randomised trials that exercise protects against dementia is far less certain. Rigorous assessments are therefore required to measure the impact of interventions in relation to frequency, intensity, duration, and adherence to physical activity to achieve an effect.

 

 

Why is this important?

In the absence of a cure or a treatment for dementia, risk reduction remains the most promising approach to addressing the increasing prevalence of cases. Evidence suggests up to 40% of dementia incidence may be modifiable. Physical inactivity is one of 12 identified modifiable risk factors, and interventions to promote physical activity to reduce the risk of dementia incidence in later life are increasing. The prevalence of dementia dictates that even small reductions of cognitive decline on the incidence of dementia may have important economic, social and policy implications.

 

We are focusing on ‘midlife’ to promote healthier lifestyles and to improve health status in older age because evidence indicates that this is the period of the life course when neurodegeneration could develop. We also know that physical activity levels tend to decline with age, but that this is challenging to measure due to the lengthy follow-ups required to assess change. Gaps in our understanding also remain regarding how to effectively develop and deliver such interventions and why they can often fail to become sustainable in the longer term.

 

 

How are we doing it?

We are undertaking a systematic review of the existing evidence by carrying out a detailed search of a range of databases for published studies. The protocol has been published on PROSPERO and can be accessed here https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=492462.

 

The results of the review will be explored with Public and Community Involvement and Engagement (PCIE) representees and relevant stakeholders. Assessment of the need for a feasibility study will then follow.

 

 

Who are we working with?

This work is funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research and the Alzheimer's Society as part of the Dem Comm Programme to build capacity in dementia research.

 

 

Funding:

This is one of four ARC-GM research projects that ARC-GM funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the Alzheimer's Society Building Capacity in Dementia Research Programme.

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This funding is intended to support the new generation of dementia research leaders, bringing together researchers from different multidisciplinary backgrounds to encourage cross-cutting and community-orientated dementia research projects that can address key gaps in the evidence base.

 

More information about all of the ARC-GM research projects, and Dementia Fellows, funded as part of the Building Capacity in Dementia Programme, can be found from the ARC-GM Dem Com section of the NIHR ARC-GM website.

 

 

More information

 

 

 

Programme Manager

Gill Rizzello
gill.rizzello@manchester.ac.uk