A recent medical study conducted in the United States has unveiled a significant finding for brain health protection through a simple lifestyle practice. The results suggest that the habit of walking at least 5,000 steps daily may help safeguard the brain from the effects of the devastating disease, Alzheimer’s.
The important research was published on November 3rd in the prestigious medical journal Nature Medicine. The study followed approximately 300 elderly individuals for a long duration of 14 years.
Key Findings and Scientific Rationale
The researchers observed that among individuals who had high levels of a protein called Beta-Amyloid in their brains (an early marker for Alzheimer’s), the rate of cognitive decline was slower if they were physically active.
- Slowing Toxic Protein Growth: The study indicated that while exercise may not reduce the amount of Beta-Amyloid, it does slow the growth of a toxic protein called Tau, which directly damages brain cells.
- The Benefit Threshold: Experts found that even light to moderate physical activity made a clear difference. The rate of cognitive decline in individuals who walked 5,000 to 7,500 steps daily was half that of those who were mostly inactive.
5,000 Steps Deemed Sufficient for Brain Protection
The research also clarified that there is no substantial additional benefit beyond a certain limit for brain protection. Walking more than 10,000 steps does not provide extra benefits, implying that 5,000 steps daily are sufficient to protect the brain.
The study’s lead, Dr. Wendy Yau, stated that the importance of lifestyle factors that people can adopt to improve brain health should not be underestimated.
Experts note that while some medications like Kisunla and Leqembi slow the disease’s progression, regular physical activity remains a highly effective and practical method for preventing Alzheimer’s. The researchers clarified that this was an observational study and, therefore, does not directly prove that walking prevents Alzheimer’s, but it clearly indicates that regular walking helps maintain better brain health and slows the initial signs of the disease.
