Physical activity may not buffer against later cognitive decline
In 719 older adults, device-measured activity tracked baseline cognition, but after adjusting for prior scores, the link faded 26 months later (beta = 0.04).
Research Square
In an observational preprint analyzing 719 older adults from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, researchers tracked movement using accelerometers over an eight-day period. Cognitive function was evaluated at baseline and 26 months later. In unadjusted models, daily steps and intensity minutes were associated with cognitive function both contemporaneously and longitudinally (betas = 0.22 and 0.23, both p < 0.001). However, after controlling for age, education, and prior cognitive function, physical activity was no longer significantly associated with later cognitive function (beta = 0.04, p = 0.131). Sleep duration and sleep efficiency were also not significantly linked to cognitive scores (all betas < 0.21, all p > 0.090). The findings suggest concurrent associations rather than an inoculation effect against future decline.
Why it matters
Physical activity is widely considered a key defense against age-related cognitive impairment. These results suggest that higher activity levels may track alongside current cognitive health rather than conferring lasting protection against subsequent decline.
Caveats
This observational study is a preprint, and the authors note that reverse causality could account for the observed patterns. In addition, physical activity and sleep were measured over a single eight-day period, and follow-up was limited to 26 months.
The paper
Bielefeld University
Research Square · 30 Sep 2026 · Preprint, not peer-reviewed