New Study Suggests daily 3,000 Steps May Ward Off Alzheimer’s-Related Mental Decline
A new study indicates that even a modest amount of daily walking – as few as 3,000 steps – is associated with a slower rate of mental decline linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that individuals taking 5,000 to 7,500 steps per day experienced a 54 percent slower rate of mental decline compared to those who were less active, with benefits plateauing above 7,500 steps. the findings offer a simple, accessible intervention for perhaps mitigating the effects of tau accumulation, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
The research, which did not definitively prove a causal relationship, suggests physical activity may reduce inflammation caused by misfolded beta-amyloid adn tau proteins, which disrupt neural connections and contribute to cell death. Exercise could also increase blood flow to the brain or boost levels of protective hormones. While the study acknowledges that pre-existing conditions and socioeconomic factors can influence both exercise levels and tau accumulation, experts emphasize the broader health benefits of regular movement. “My advice is not to get too fixated on a magic number for step count,” says researcher Marshall. “I think it’s more crucial to do something regularly. It doesn’t have to be a lot,and it doesn’t have to be intensive - it’s more about constantly moving.”
Further research,including studies where participants are randomly assigned different step targets,is needed to confirm these findings and isolate the specific effects of exercise on tau protein accumulation,according to researcher Yau.Previous studies have already demonstrated that lifestyle changes, including exercise, can slow mental decline, reinforcing the potential of simple interventions to promote brain health.
