Study links steps taken to delaying cognitive decline
A study published in Nature Medicine has suggested that taking more steps per day can slow cognitive decline.
The study, conducted over 14 years, showed that taking 3,000-5,000 steps per day delayed cognitive decline by an average of three years, and for people who did 5000-7000 steps per day cognitive decline was delayed by seven years.
Even for people with elevated amyloid at baseline, higher step counts were linked to slower rates of cognitive decline and the delayed buildup of tau proteins. In comparison, being sedentary saw the buildup of tau and cognitive decline happening substantially faster.
Dr Wai-Ying Yau, Neurologist at Mass General Brigham hospital in Boston and first author on the study, says:
“It’s very encouraging that physical activity may help to modify someone’s trajectory. If they have amyloid, they could have a slower rate of decline if they’re more physically active. We’re encouraging older people who are at risk of Alzheimer’s to consider making small changes to their activity levels, to build sustained habits that protect or benefit their brain and cognitive health.”
Read the study here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03955-6