Work

Physical activity and Alzheimer’s disease risk across genetic susceptibility: a prospective UK Biobank study using accelerometer data

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Physical activity (PA) has been associated with reduced Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk, but whether protective effects vary across genetic risk levels remains unclear. Previous studies were limited by self-reported PA measures and simplified genetic models. In this study, we aimed to examine the association between accelerometer-measured physical activity and the risk of incident AD in a large population-based cohort, and to explore potential interactions between PA and polygenic risk scores for AD. METHODS: We analyzed 93,578 UK Biobank participants aged 40-70 years with accelerometer data and genome-wide genotyping. PA was measured continuously (milligravity, mg) and dichotomized at the optimal point from maximally selected rank statistics. Genetic risk was assessed using polygenic risk scores (PRS) and APOE ε4 status. Cox models estimated hazard ratios for incident AD across genetic risk strata during median 15.5-year follow-up. RESULTS: Among 401 AD cases, high PA reduced risk by 48% (HR 0.517; 95% CI 0300-0.891), while high PRS increased risk nearly twofold (HR 2.423; 95% CI 1.757-3.343). PA's protective association remained consistent across all PRS and APOE ε4 strata. No significant multiplicative or additive interaction was found between PA and genetic risk (RERI = - 0.566, 95% CI - 4.574-3.441). Dose-response analysis revealed maximum benefit with optimal threshold at 21.7 mg corresponding to light-intensity activity. CONCLUSION: Objectively measured PA substantially reduces AD risk regardless of genetic predisposition. Even light-intensity activity provides meaningful protection, supporting PA as a broadly applicable preventive strategy across all genetic risk levels.

Source: Journal of Neurology

DOI: 10.1007/s00415-025-13524-z

Authors: Seunghee Na, Kenneth Muir, Artitaya Lophatananon, Yicong Huang, Jongin Lee

Institutions: The Catholic University of Korea Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University of Korea, University of Manchester, The Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,790