Health
Alzheimer’s risk declines sharply with one daily lifestyle change, researchers say
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Increasing physical activity in midlife or later may reduce the chances of developing dementia by up to 45%, according to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open.
Researchers at the Boston University School of Public Health analyzed data from more than 4,300 people in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring, all of whom were dementia-free at the start of the study.
The individuals completed a questionnaire reporting their amount of sleep and level of physical activity (sedentary, slight, moderate or heavy), according to the study report.
DEMENTIA RISK COULD BE LINKED TO WALKING SPEED, STUDY SUGGESTS
Study design and key findings
The researchers analyzed the individuals’ physical activity throughout three life stages — early adult (ages 26-44 years), midlife (45-64 years) and late life (65-88 years).
Increasing physical activity in midlife or later may reduce the chances of developing dementia by up to 45%, according to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open. (iStock)
They followed the participants for an average span of 37.2, 25.9 and 14.5 years, respectively, to monitor the onset of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.
Those in the top two quintiles of midlife physical activity were associated with a 40% lower all-cause dementia risk over a 26-year period, compared to those with the lowest activity level.
RATES OF DEMENTIA ARE LOWER IN PEOPLE WHO EAT THIS SPECIFIC DIET, RESEARCH SHOWS
People in the top two quintiles of late-life physical activity were associated with a 36% to 45% lower dementia risk over 15 years.
Thise with the highest midlife physical activity were associated with a 40% lower all-cause dementia risk over a 26-year period, compared to those with the lowest activity level. (iStock)
“These results may help to inform more precise and effective strategies to prevent or delay the onset of dementia in later life, and support evidence that the benefits of physical activity on the brain may extend to earlier in life than previously thought,” study author Phillip Hwang, Ph.D., from the Department of Epidemiology at the Boston University School of Public Health, told Fox News Digital.
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Higher activity in midlife was associated with lower dementia risk only in people without APOE4, a genetic variant linked to higher Alzheimer’s risk.
However, this was not the case with the late-life higher activity group, which showed reduced dementia risk among both APOE4 carriers and those without the gene, according to the study.
The exercise-brain link
“There are several possible mechanisms through which physical activity is thought to lower the risk of dementia, such as improving brain structure and function, reducing inflammation and exerting benefits on vascular function,” Hwang told Fox News Digital.
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Physical activity may also directly impact Alzheimer’s disease pathology, such as the buildup of toxic beta-amyloid in the brain, according to the researcher.
Physical activity may also directly impact Alzheimer’s disease pathology, such as the buildup of toxic beta-amyloid in the brain. (iStock)
“These potential mechanisms may contribute to facilitating cognitive reserve, which can delay late-life cognitive impairment.”
More research is needed to understand whether these possible causes all happen at the same time throughout a person’s life, or if different causes emerge at different stages, the researchers said.
Expert reactions
Dr. Cathryn Devons, M.D., who specializes in geriatric medicine at Phelps Hospital Northwell Health in Sleepy Hollow, New York, was not part of the study but commented on the findings.
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Exercise can lower the risk of hypertension, stroke, vascular disease, cholesterol levels and diabetes — “all the things that put you at risk for circulatory problems to the brain,” she told Fox News Digital.
The doctor also noted that exercise is known to help to reduce inflammation, which can protect brain health.
Study limitations
One limitation of the study is that physical activity was based on self-reporting, Hwang told Fox News Digital.
Physical activity may also directly impact Alzheimer’s disease pathology, such as the buildup of toxic beta-amyloid in the brain. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
“While we can say from these results that higher levels of overall physical activity are associated with reduced dementia risk, these results cannot translate well to recommendations about specific exercise types,” he said.
Also, the level of physical activity in early adulthood was not linked with all-cause dementia or Alzheimer’s dementia.
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“We may have been underpowered to detect associations with early adult life physical activity due to the small number of dementia cases in this age group,” the authors noted.
Devons agreed that while the study may have limitations, it supports the idea of exercise lowering the risk of dementia.
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America’s youth have been increasingly abusing common over-the-counter medications, according to poison center records.
A health advisory from America’s Poison Centers, representing 53 poison centers across the country, alerted a “concerning rise” in cases of diphenhydramine abuse among teens ages 13 to 19.
Diphenhydramine is commonly found in allergy and sleep medications such as Benadryl and Zzzquil, as mentioned in the advisory.
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From 2024 to 2025, the total exposure to any substance among teens in this age group reportedly increased by 5.1%.
But cases involving diphenhydramine alone increased more rapidly, from 10,068 to 13,284 cases, a 32% spike.
Thirteen percent of diphenhydramine cases in 2026 have been linked to intentional abuse, an increase from 7.3% in 2020. (iStock)
The trend appears to be continuing into 2026, as the first five months saw 6,179 diphenhydramine-only cases in teens — more than double the prior year.
According to America’s Poison Centers, the exposure appears to be driven by recreational misuse rather than accidental over-medication. Thirteen percent of cases in 2026 were linked to intentional abuse, up from 7.3% in 2020.
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Taking diphenhydramine improperly or in large amounts can affect the brain and heart, and can lead to serious or life-threatening effects, the advisory warned.
Diphenhydramine is commonly found in over-the-counter allergy and sleep medications. (iStock)
Some symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning include drowsiness, agitation, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm and loss of consciousness.
To avoid overexposure and complications, America’s Poison Centers advises the public to store all medications safely, up high, and out of reach of kids and teens. Label instructions should be followed carefully.
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“Talk with teens about the risks of misusing medications, including serious health effects and poisoning,” the notice suggested. “Be aware of social media trends or challenges that may encourage unsafe use of medications.”
Those who suspect misuse should contact the local Poison Control Center immediately.
America’s Poison Centers advises the public to “be aware of social media trends or challenges that may encourage unsafe use of medications.” (iStock)
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Benadryl manufacturer Kenvue commented that the “health and safety of people who use our products is our top priority.”
“The social media trend promoting misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products is extremely dangerous and should be stopped immediately,” a Kenvue spokesperson said. “Our hearts go out to those impacted by the misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products.”
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“We are working with social media platform safety teams to remove these dangerous posts and help stop this behavior from spreading,” they added. “We are also taking action to educate on the safe use and storage of over-the-counter medicines, including those with the ingredient diphenhydramine.”
“The social media trend promoting misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products is extremely dangerous and should be stopped immediately.”
Mary Leonard, SVP of communications and public affairs for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, called the recent report “deeply concerning.”
“OTC medicines should never be used for recreational purposes, and intentional misuse should not be confused with the safe, effective use of these products,” she told Fox News Digital. “When used as directed, millions of Americans rely on OTC medicines containing diphenhydramine for relief from allergies, cold symptoms, motion sickness, minor skin irritations and occasional sleeplessness.”
“Because misuse of any medication can result in serious health consequences, the Drug Facts label clearly communicates dosing instructions, warnings and other important safety information.”
“OTC medicines should never be used for recreational purposes, and intentional misuse should not be confused with the safe, effective use of these products,” an industry spokesperson said. (iStock)
Kenvue shared the following three steps people can take to help prevent misuse.
- Report content related to this trend on the social media platform where it appears.
- Always store OTC medicines up and away in places children cannot access — preferably in locked cabinets or containers — and never leave medications on counters, bedside tables or in open bags, even temporarily.
- Carefully read and follow the instructions on the label and educate children on safe usage.
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“Dosing instructions and additional safety information are available on Benadryl.com, and always remember to consult a healthcare professional should you have questions,” the spokesperson added.
Fox News Digital reached out to Zzzquil maker P&G for comment.
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