Physical Activity, Diet, and Risk of Alzheimer Disease

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Abstract
Previous research has shown that physical activity can slow down or prevent functional decline associated with aging and improve health in older individuals.1,2 However, regarding Alzheimer disease (AD) or dementia, the relationship is less clear, with many studies reporting exercise being associated with lower rates of cognitive decline1,3 or dementia4-7 and others reporting no significant association.8-10 Dietary habits also may play an important role but epidemiological data on diet and AD have been conflicting.11 In this cohort, we previously found that higher adherence to a Mediterranean-type diet is associated with lower risk for AD12,13 and mild cognitive impairment.14