Daily Steps Linked to Substantially Slower Cognitive Decline in New AlzheimerS Study
New York, NY – November 11, 2025 – A new study published today in Nature Medicine reveals a strong correlation between daily step count and the rate of cognitive decline, offering a potentially simple and accessible intervention against Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that walking between 3,000 and 7,500 steps per day may delay the onset of cognitive symptoms by three to seven years, even in individuals with early biological markers of the disease.
The research, led by Dr. jasmeer Chhatwal, analyzed data from 296 participants aged 50 to 90 who were cognitively healthy at the study’s outset. Participants wore pedometers to track physical activity while undergoing annual cognitive assessments and brain scans to measure levels of beta-amyloid plaques and tau proteins – both key indicators of Alzheimer’s. The study followed participants for a period ranging from two to fourteen years.
Results demonstrated that individuals with higher levels of beta-amyloid experienced slower cognitive decline and reduced accumulation of tau proteins with increased daily steps. Specifically, those walking 3,000 to 5,000 steps (approximately 2 to 4 kilometers) showed an average three-year delay in cognitive decline. Those who walked 5,000 to 7,500 steps daily experienced a more substantial benefit, with cognitive decline postponed by an average of seven years.
Conversely, the study found that a sedentary lifestyle was associated with a faster accumulation of tau protein and a more rapid decline in cognitive function.
“These findings explain why some people who show signs of Alzheimer’s disease do not decline as quickly as others,” explained Dr. Chhatwal. “Lifestyle factors appear to influence the early stages of the disease, suggesting that lifestyle changes can slow the onset of cognitive symptoms if we act early.”
The research underscores the potential of a readily achievable goal – as little as 3,000 daily steps – to mitigate the impact of Alzheimer’s, even before symptoms manifest. Alzheimer’s disease currently affects millions worldwide, and with an aging global population, finding preventative and accessible strategies is a critical public health priority. This study offers a promising avenue for proactive intervention.
