Pounding the Pavement: Is the Path to Brain Health Steeper for People Experiencing Greater Socioeconomic Deprivation?

Abstract

Dementia is a global public health priority. Physical activity has myriad health benefits, including for reducing dementia risk. To increase physical activity, detailed understanding of influencing factors is needed. Socioeconomic deprivation affects many aspects of health and wellbeing. Qualitative research with older people experiencing socioeconomic deprivation is needed to explore barriers and enablers to engaging in physical activity, with the view to co-designing interventions for implementation trials. A whole of society approach is pivotal to improving effectiveness of physical activity interventions for older adults with cognitive impairment, and target support for people experiencing socioeconomic deprivation, to improve their health outcomes.