Walking protects brain health: So, how many steps should we take per day?

The study, which spanned nearly 14 years, tracked the daily activity levels of participants whose brains showed early signs of Alzheimer's disease but who were not yet showing symptoms. The findings showed that regular physical activity can protect brain health, particularly by slowing the buildup of tau proteins. The research supports previous findings that exercise has the potential to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Research has found that walking more than 5,000 steps a day may help protect brain health in older adults at risk of Alzheimer's. The research supports previous findings that physical activity can slow cognitive decline.

57 MILLION PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED

Alzheimer's disease affects approximately 57 million people worldwide and is considered the most common type of dementia. The disease is thought to be caused by abnormal accumulations of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain. This buildup progresses over years, with the first symptoms appearing later in life.

A US-based research team tracked the daily step counts of nearly 300 cognitively healthy older adults at high risk of Alzheimer's. These individuals had higher levels of amyloid in their brains, meaning they were more likely to develop Alzheimer's.

THEY STUDIED FOR 14 YEARS

The 14-year study observed that both cognitive and functional decline was slower in individuals who engaged in more physical activity. This was particularly associated with a slower accumulation of tau protein. Interestingly, no significant change was observed in amyloid levels.

According to the study, the most positive effects occurred in the 5,001 to 7,500 step range. However, even individuals who took just 3,001 to 5,000 steps per day experienced slower progression of tau accumulation and cognitive decline.

"It shows that even individuals with early Alzheimer's disease in the brain can benefit from small amounts of physical activity," Tara Spires-Jones, director of the Centre for Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, said in a statement about the study. Spires-Jones was not involved in the research but emphasized that the results are in line with the general trend.

The researchers noted that lower daily step targets are more achievable for older and inactive individuals, and step counts can be easily tracked with wearable devices such as smartwatches.

However, the study did have some limitations, they noted. For example, other physical activities like swimming or resistance training were not taken into account. Therefore, the researchers noted that more studies are needed to confirm the findings.

A similar study last year found that people with dementia who maintained an exercise routine had a 29 percent lower risk of death after diagnosis. "Studies like this show that simple lifestyle changes can keep our brains healthy for longer," said Julia Dudley of Alzheimer's Research UK.