Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterised by decline in executive function, memory and attention. Physical activity is recognised as a modifiable health behaviour for the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia including Alzheimer’s disease ( 1– 4). Future research may benefit from further examining the role of discussion forums and peer advice in dementia risk reduction initiatives. This online discussion forum uniquely captured ideas from a large, diverse group of participants. Peer advice was frequently suggested around scheduling physical activity into the day and joining a friend or organised activity. The themes generated from the discussion posts included time constraints, poor health and lack of motivation as barriers to physical activity, and social interaction, incidental activities, and dog ownership as enablers.

DesignĪnalysis was conducted using Topic modelling analysis followed by thematic analysis. Two thousand, one hundred and thirty-two participants contributed to an online discussion forum. We aimed to explore what advice might be offered to others to increase physical activity and to identify enablers and barriers to physical activity for adults interested in dementia prevention and participating in a massive open online course. Engagement in physical activity is associated with reduced dementia risk but insufficient physical activity is a global trend.

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