Walking May substantially Delay Alzheimer’s Onset, New Research Shows
A 14-year study involving nearly 300 individuals at risk of Alzheimer’s disease has revealed a strong link between physical activity and delayed cognitive decline. Published in Nature Medicine,the research indicates that increasing daily step count can potentially delay the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms by up to seven years.
Researchers from Australia, Canada, and the United States monitored participants with preclinical Alzheimer’s – individuals showing high levels of the brain proteins Tau and Beta-amyloid, but without current symptoms. They found that those walking fewer than 3,000 steps daily experienced faster cognitive decline, especially those with elevated Beta-amyloid levels.
However, increasing activity showed significant benefits. Walking 3,000-5,000 steps a day delayed cognitive and functional decline by an average of three years,while those achieving 5,000-7,500 steps daily experienced a delay of seven years.
“Our finding shows that increasing the number of steps, even slightly, can definitely help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in people at high risk of developing it,” explains Dr. Jasmeer Chhatwal, a neurologist at Mass general Brigham. This discovery may explain variations in cognitive decline among at-risk individuals and suggests lifestyle changes as a potential therapeutic strategy.
The study,utilizing data from the Harvard Brain Aging Study (participants aged 50-90),combined step tracking with PET scans to measure Beta-amyloid and Tau protein levels in the brain. Results consistently showed a correlation between higher step counts and slower rates of cognitive decline and tau accumulation, especially in those with high Beta-amyloid levels.
“Every step counts, and even a small increase in activity results in improved brain and cognitive health. Staying physically active is one way to protect the brain,” adds Dr. Wai-Ying Wendy Yau, a neurologist at Mass General Brigham.
Researchers are now focusing on identifying the specific aspects of physical activity most beneficial for Alzheimer’s prevention and understanding the underlying biological mechanisms. They hope this work will inform future clinical trials testing exercise interventions to combat cognitive decline in older adults, particularly those at high risk.
