Daily Walking May Delay Alzheimer’s Progression By Years

A 14-year study of 296 adults aged 50 to 90 found that walking 3,000 steps daily may significantly slow Alzheimer’s disease progression. Researchers at Mass General Brigham hospital discovered cognitive decline was delayed by three years in people walking 3,000 to 5,000 steps daily, and by seven years in those achieving 5,000 to 7,000 steps. The study, published in Nature Medicine, showed higher step counts were linked to slower buildup of tau proteins and reduced cognitive decline in participants with elevated brain amyloid levels. “We’re encouraging older people who are at risk of Alzheimer’s to consider making small changes to their activity levels, to build sustained habits that protect or benefit their brain and cognitive health,” said Dr Wai-Ying Yau, the study’s first author. (Story URL)