What is the recommended number of daily steps to help slow cognitive decline?

Walking over 5,000 steps per day may slow cognitive decline and the build-up of Alzheimer's-linked proteins, with 5,001 to 7,500 steps appearing most beneficial.

Can exercise benefit individuals with early signs of Alzheimer's disease?

Yes, a 14-year study suggests that even people with early Alzheimer's pathology in their brains may benefit from modest amounts of activity, like over 3,000 steps daily.

How does physical activity relate to Alzheimer's protein buildup?

Higher levels of physical activity have been linked to slower cognitive decline and a slowing in the build-up of tau protein, which is a cause of brain cell loss in Alzheimer's.

Home / Health / Walk 5000+ Steps Daily to Slow Alzheimer's

Walk 5000+ Steps Daily to Slow Alzheimer's

11 Feb

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Summary

Over 5,000 daily steps may slow cognitive decline and Alzheimer's protein buildup.
A 14-year study found modest exercise benefits even those with early Alzheimer's markers.
Activity slowed tau protein accumulation, a cause of brain cell loss.

Walk 5000+ Steps Daily to Slow Alzheimer's

New research suggests that incorporating over 5,000 steps into one's daily routine may help decelerate cognitive decline and the build-up of proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease. This finding stems from a comprehensive 14-year study, one of the first to link specific activity levels with key Alzheimer's markers.

Experts from Harvard analyzed data from 294 participants, aged 50 to 90. The study, published in Nature Medicine, indicated that individuals with early signs of Alzheimer's pathology in their brains could still benefit from moderate exercise. Participants wore pedometers and underwent cognitive assessments and brain scans over the study period.

The research revealed a connection between higher physical activity and a slower decline in thinking and memory skills. Furthermore, even moderate activity, around 3,001 to 5,000 steps daily, was associated with a slowdown in tau protein accumulation and cognitive decline. Experts noted that 5,001 to 7,500 steps appeared most beneficial.