A new study presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting in early April 2025 suggests that daily engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can significantly lower the risk of developing certain neuropsychiatric diseases. Conducted by Dr. Jia-Yi Wu from Huashan Hospital Fudan University in Shanghai, China, the research found that participants who achieved adequate energy expenditure through physical activity were between 14% to 40% less likely to experience conditions such as dementia, anxiety, depression, stroke, and sleep disorders.
The study highlights sedentary behavior as a modifiable risk factor for these diseases. It reveals a clear correlation: the more time an individual spends sitting during the day, the greater their likelihood of experiencing forgetfulness. This relationship underscores the importance of promoting physical activity as a means of enhancing cognitive health.
Brain imaging results also corroborate the findings. Older adults who engage in regular exercise demonstrate lower levels of amyloid and tau proteins, which are indicative of Alzheimer's disease. The study utilized metabolic equivalents (METs) to gauge the energy expenditure of participants during various activities, reinforcing the notion that different neuropsychiatric diseases exhibit varying degrees of sensitivity to exercise.
Dr. Wu emphasized the need for tailored intervention strategies to address these differing sensitivities in neuropsychiatric conditions. He stated, “The findings reinforce a dose-response relationship between physical activity and health benefits, supporting public health guidelines and highlighting exercise as a cost-effective and accessible preventive strategy, particularly for high-risk populations.”
The implications of this research extend beyond individual health. The study provides further evidence linking increased physical activity to a reduced risk of neuropsychiatric diseases, suggesting that exercise could be an effective tool in both preventing and managing these conditions.
Dr. Wu noted that unlike genetic predispositions, sedentary behavior can be modified. “Our finding underscores the urgent need for behavioral and environmental changes to promote more active lifestyles. Both ‘reducing sedentary behavior’ and ‘increasing physical activity’ are equally important,” he explained.
Furthermore, Dr. Wu pointed out that for specific populations—such as office workers, the elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases—reducing sedentary behavior may be a more feasible approach than engaging in vigorous physical activity. This finding emphasizes the need for practical strategies to encourage increased movement among those at greater risk.
Vernon Williams, MD, highlighted the significance of these findings, stating, “It is an important preliminary study because it underscores how lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of neurological neuropsychiatric conditions and improve quality of life.” He acknowledged that while medications and procedures play a role in managing these conditions, demonstrating the benefits of lifestyle changes is crucial.
“If regular exercise and increased physical activity can prevent the need for, reduce the need for, or delay the need for medical intervention—that’s a good thing,” Dr. Williams added.
The findings from this large-scale study are expected to inform public health initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of neuropsychiatric diseases worldwide. As Dr. Wu summarized, “Neuropsychiatric diseases such as dementia, depression, and stroke pose a major global health challenge due to their high prevalence, severe impact on quality of life, and significant economic burden.”
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