Diverse midlife activities beat genetic risk in protecting brain health

A Trinity College Dublin study of 700 adults aged 40–59 finds that a varied mix of social, physical, and intellectual activities in midlife boosts cognitive health to a greater extent than carrying the APOE ε4 gene, with variety across activities offering the strongest protection; depressive symptoms and traumatic brain injury are the most harmful risk factors, highlighting a cost-effective window for dementia prevention in midlife.