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…
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.
But you don’t know if you have the APOE4 gene or not
It’s done wonders for my legs. My brain, on the other hand…
… and don’t even start thinking about my wallet
Mine is quietly sobbing at the moment.
What do I buy to like get into this hobby?
Depends ? If you’re from a cycling nation you have an ordinarly bike that cost for a couole hundred and go about your day. If you’re froma car centric nation you spend $10k on a high end carbon fibre bike and suck exhaust fumes…and then buy a gravel bike and then a mountin bike and then … n+1 bikes :)
I cycle and have a mid level 29" mtb ebike and cycle a lot; gravel, road and MTB, from my home.
A bike (the bicycle kind, not the motorbike kind, that’s a different wallet-sinking hobby)
The wallet crying hobby or the bike hobby? In my experience, the answer to both questions is “a decent bicycle.” :D
It depends, but in general, more than you’d ever imagine. Then more for wear items. And then replacement parts. Oh, and eventually you’ll convince yourself you need a new bike, since it will be cheaper than replacing parts in an old bike. And then, the process starts over.
Or you just get a decent commuting bicycle with a belt drive and an internal gear hub, which has nearly no maintenance needs.
Derailleur gears are just asking for trouble if you’re commuting daily in a city where people might not be nice to your parked bike
But then new gear hub tech comes out, and you start considering ebikes, also a pannier would be nice… maybe a cargo bike makes more sense instead…?
Any hobby entry point can cascade into upgraditis
What new Gear Hub Tech?
If you don’t have much money you get an Alpine 8/11, (or a Nexus Hub if you’re really on a budget) if you have much money you get a Rohloff Speedhub, which was the best hub 20 years ago, is the best hub today and will be the best hub in 20 years. And also will last a lifetime.
I just want my commuting bike to drive without much maintenance efforts.
Also there is no shame in periodically selling your old bike and getting a new one. Or buying a cargo bike if you need one. It’s still way cheaper than driving
Any hobby entry point can cascade into upgraditis
Only if you allow to develop a weird relationship with it. Cycling is where I am for most people just a tool of getting from A to B, they don’t want to spend much money on it
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)
I loved bicycling as a kid. I don’t think I can find an under 100 dollar bike these days though.
Find a used single speed, they need minimal maintenance and have fewer moving parts.
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
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.
Nobody who reads Vice has this problem.
Why is Vice still a publication?
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 🤷♂️
what’s wrong with wearing a helmet?
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!
They did not say there was something wrong with wearing a helmet.
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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