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Getty ImagesAlzheimer’s can be delayed by walking. (File image of a older adult walking for refrence) Alzheimer’s prevention: Older adults at higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease may be able to slow cognitive decline by staying active, new research indicates. Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that gradually impairs memory, thinking, learning, and organizing abilities, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It’s the most common cause of dementia. People over 65 typically experience symptoms for the first time. Medication may control symptoms and slow the disease's progression, but there is no cure.Also Read: Are your gel manicures putting you at risk of skin cancer? Here’s what research says and tips for risk-free nailsHow many daily steps should you take to prevent Alzheimer’sIn the study published on November 3 in Nature Medicine, researchers found that people with early, presymptomatic Alzheimer’s who walked 3,000 to 5,000 steps per day appeared to delay cognitive decline by three years compared with those who walked less. Walking 5,000 to 7,000 steps per day was associated with a delay of about seven years. (Depending on your gait, a mile takes roughly 2,000 steps.)“If you’re sedentary, even modest activity could help slow down that process,” said Wai-Ying Wendy Yau, the lead author of the study and a cognitive neurologist at Mass General Brigham, as quoted by The Washington Post.The study followed nearly 300 older adults for an average of nine years. Some participants had brain scans indicating higher Alzheimer’s risk due to amyloid beta buildup. Researchers found that those who walked more had slower tau protein accumulation, another marker linked to cognitive decline.Live EventsAlso Read: When should you get a flu shot? Costs, timing, and CDC advice for kids, pregnant women, seniors, and health workersWhy physical activity may help battle Alzheimer’s diseaseThe findings show an association between step count and cognitive decline trajectory, not a direct cause-and-effect, Yau noted.“Exercise is a hard habit to build, but I like to tell my patients every little bit helps,” she said. “Every step you take in the right direction helps with brain health,” as quoted by the outlet.While studies in animals suggest that increased physical activity can slow Alzheimer’s progression, it is still unclear whether the same effects apply to humans. Greater physical activity may improve blood flow to the brain or reduce inflammation, which could slow disease progression, Yau explained.Also Read: Reusable water bottles aren’t always healthy; here’s how to clean it and protect yourself from moldHow the study was conductedParticipants, aged 50 to 90 and initially free of dementia or other memory issues, underwent PET scans to measure amyloid beta and tau levels in the brain. Volunteers wore pedometers for seven days to record average daily step counts.Researchers then analyzed the relationship between step counts, brain protein levels, and cognitive and daily function over time.One limitation is that pedometers only recorded step counts, not whether participants walked or ran. The study also did not track other forms of exercise, such as resistance training or swimming.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onAlzheimer's diseaseAlzheimer's preventionbrain healthAlzheimer's prevention by walkingcognitive declinedaily stepswalking benefitsexercise Alzheimer'solder adults exercisememory protection (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onAlzheimer's diseaseAlzheimer's preventionbrain healthAlzheimer's prevention by walkingcognitive declinedaily stepswalking benefitsexercise Alzheimer'solder adults exercisememory protection(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless
