Even modest amounts of daily exercise may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in older people at risk, researchers have found. A 14-year study published in Nature Medicine suggests that walking 3,000 or more steps a day can delay brain changes and cognitive decline.
The study analysed data from 296 cognitively unimpaired participants aged 50 to 90. Those with elevated amyloid-beta plaques at baseline who walked 3,000 to 5,000 steps daily experienced an average delay in cognitive decline of three years, while those managing 5,000 to 7,000 steps saw a seven-year delay. Sedentary individuals showed faster tau protein buildup and cognitive decline.
Dr Wai-Ying Yau of Mass General Brigham hospital in Boston said: '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.' While reverse causation cannot be ruled out, the data suggests physical activity is protective.
Dr Julia Dudley of Alzheimer’s Research UK commented: 'The findings suggest that even a modest amount of walking each day, around 5,000 steps, is linked to a slower buildup of tau protein in the brain... This gives us a clearer picture of how everyday activity may support brain health.' She called for more clinical trials to confirm the effects.
