Reporter: Misbah Saleem
Cycling is not just a physical activity — it has now emerged as an important way to protect mental health as well. Recent research has shown that people who cycle regularly have a significantly lower risk of developing brain-related diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. The study highlights that adopting an active lifestyle can help maintain brain health.
The research was based on long-term data from the UK Biobank, which includes information from over 480,000 people in England, Scotland, and Wales. It aimed to examine how different modes of transport — such as walking, cycling, driving, and public transit — impact mental health.
The findings revealed that individuals who cycle regularly for their daily commute had a 19% lower risk of developing dementia and a 22% lower risk of Alzheimer’s. Cycling was also found to positively affect the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. This suggests that physical activity combined with mental engagement can slow down cognitive decline.
According to the study, cycling is not just a way to stay physically active — it’s also a form of “brain exercise”, requiring more complex mental functioning than activities like walking or driving. Dr. Liron Sinwani, a New York-based geriatric specialist, explained that cycling keeps brain functions stimulated, which is why it may play an effective role in preventing brain diseases.
The study also found that the benefits of cycling were more pronounced in people who are not genetically at risk of Alzheimer’s. This indicates that for individuals without a family history of the disease, cycling could be an effective preventive measure. Interestingly, cycling was considered more beneficial for brain health than driving a car, riding a bus, or taking the subway.
However, researchers clarified that this is an observational study, meaning more scientific evidence is needed to establish a direct link between cycling and mental health. While the results are promising, more research is required before drawing firm conclusions.
In light of the increasing issues around mental health, experts suggest that if people adopt more active lifestyles — like cycling or walking — instead of sitting in cars or confined spaces, not only can the risk of memory-related diseases be reduced, but a more balanced and healthier society can be built. It is important to promote the idea that mental health can improve not just through medication but also through small lifestyle changes.
