Research: walking 3,000 steps a day can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease

A new study published in the journal Nature Medicine shows that walking a few thousand steps a day can slow the decline in memory and brain function. This is the result of a study conducted by a group of scientists at Mass General Brigham (Boston, USA), which lasted for 14 years. The study subjects were people aged 50-90 years old, with no signs of mental decline when the study began.

The volunteers were monitored regularly with cognitive tests, pedometers and PET scans to measure levels of amyloid and tau proteins, two key proteins that cause Alzheimer's disease. Although people are often encouraged to take 10,000 steps a day, research shows that even people who walk about 3,000 to 5,000 steps a day experience cognitive decline about three years slower than sedentary people. In particular, a group of volunteers walking 5,000-7,000 steps/day can slow down disease progression by up to 7 years.

Currently, Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, affecting more than 50 million people globally. The disease stems from the abnormal accumulation of amyloid and tau in the brain, causing nerve cells to gradually degenerate and die. Although the research team cannot confirm the exact relationship between Alzheimer's and exercise, there is also the opposite possibility, people with signs of early Alzheimer's will naturally walk less due to reduced memory and physical strength. Even if not 100% proven, research data still shows that physical activity plays a clear protective role. Because walking helps improve blood circulation, reduces inflammation and promotes hormone production, contributing to maintaining the health of nerve cells. Dr. Wai-Ying Yau said this is what they want to explore further in further studies. According to Guardian