In an article written by The New York Times, there are discussions on whether walking just a few thousand steps a day can significantly slow cognitive decline in older adults who are at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease. A new study published in Nature Medicine found that getting between 3,000 and 5,000 steps daily provided clear benefits, with the positive effects peaking around 5,000 to 7,500 steps. These findings reinforce the strong link between physical activity and reduced dementia risk.
Researchers followed nearly 300 adults ages 50 to 90 for about nine years, tracking their activity and studying markers related to Alzheimer’s, such as amyloid-beta and tau proteins. The study suggests that exercise may influence how these proteins accumulate in the brain, which is important because their buildup is associated with cognitive decline. Even moderate daily movement appeared especially helpful for people who already had higher levels of amyloid, a group that is more vulnerable to faster disease progression.
Experts interviewed in the article emphasize that exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, reduces inflammation, and supports overall brain health—tools that likely protect against dementia. While the study is in the works and has limitations, such as a limited and mostly similar sample, its findings are consistent with other research showing that daily activity can significantly support healthy aging. Scientists note that even small increases in movement can offer protection for those at greatest risk.
