Take Up Cycling as a Hobby. It Might Literally Save Your Brain.
Take Up Cycling as a Hobby. It Might Literally Save Your Brain.
www.vice.com
Take Up Cycling as a Hobby. It Might Literally Save Your Brain.
28 comments
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All that cheery pro cycling stuff having been said, cyclists with the APOE4 gene did not see the same benefit. APOE4 is a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Researchers also acknowledged that while the study adjusted for age and education, its findings are purely observational. It’s not establishing a 100 percent definitive pattern of cause-and-effect.
Also important, is most people suffering from dementia don't recognize what's happening.
However, they'll still respond to symptoms by starting to avoid activities that give them difficulty. Even if they're not consciously understanding why they're not enjoying a hobby anymore.
So I wouldn't be surprised if further studies show that as a cyclist starts to develop dementia, the loss of ability in navigating their surroundings causes them to stop riding as much. If that's true, then that accounts for why cyclists would have lower rates of dementia...
Because the ones developing dementia, stop being cyclists.
Quick edit:
What would be really interesting is looking at rates for elderly cyclists who have switched to a stationary bike, and if symptoms were starting to manifest before or after the switch.
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But you don't know if you have the APOE4 gene or not
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Interesting research but very early stages. There's a good chance that this isn't really specific to bikes, but more generally applies to the benefits of people enjoying hobbies and a good quality of life translating into a better psychological state, which is known to affect health outcomes in a myriad of ways specially related to brain function and hormones.
Interestingly, the data also shows that mixed-walking is associated with reduced dementia as well... and I find it a bit confusing that the authors are lumping driving and public transit together in the nonactive category because public transit usually involves a good deal of walking too without people categorizing it as a walking mode of transport.
Beyond separating public transit from driving, I think major factors to control for are: 1) how often these non-commute activities happen; and 2) what's the stress level of that transportation mode. With those three things in mind I think it would clarify why would walking be associated with worst outcomes than nonactive...
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Wait, this is a recent article? I (and Wikipedia) thought Vice has stopped publishing articles? (I aslo dimly remember them being bought by someone terrible but looks like I'm confusing that with something else)
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I loved bicycling as a kid. I don't think I can find an under 100 dollar bike these days though.
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Craigslist or Marketplace. Get a 90s mountain bike in your size. Start riding. Join a cycling club/social group. People are always changing bikes, and would be happy to let an older one go for a decent price.
It CAN be an expensive hobby, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve been riding my $200 Craigslist special for about 1200km this year and I haven’t spent a penny on it.
Bike co-ops exist too! Check your area
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Seconding bike co-ops, especially for people who don't know much or are intimidated by bike maintenance. The people who work at these places are always super eager to help you get on a good bicycle for cheap!
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Find a used single speed, they need minimal maintenance and have fewer moving parts.
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Used bikes on Craigslist, get a chromoly 3x7 from a reputable brand. They are super cheap, reliable, and versatile. My main commuter is just an old Trek 820 MTB with some minor upgrades I've made over the years.
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Nobody who reads Vice has this problem.
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Strange story.
as a hobby
So drive for fun rather than just as a mode of transport?
Just remember to wear your helmet.
No, thanks.
Also, people cycle a lot in the Netherlands and it has one of the world's highest rates of dementia 🤷♂️
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what's wrong with wearing a helmet?
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I've always wondered why people driving a car do not wear a helmet. Or just walking around in the city. There is no question that it would save lives!
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They did not say there was something wrong with wearing a helmet.
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Vice is not a legitimate source of information unless they are getting high as fuck and documenting it. They are pretty good at that.
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Why is Vice still a publication?
28 comments