Maintaining a brisk walking pace in one’s 80s could significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline, a new study suggests. Researchers identified a group of older adults, dubbed “super movers,” who demonstrated a substantially lower likelihood of experiencing mental sharpness decline compared to their slower-walking peers.
The study, published in the medical journal Neurology, analyzed data from nearly 4,000 older adults participating in a long-term aging study. Participants underwent a timed walking test, and the fastest 9% – those whose gait speed was at least 1.5 standard deviations above the average for their age group – were classified as super movers.
Muscle Health and Cognitive Function
Dr. Sofiya Milman of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, a study author, stated that super movers were approximately 50% less likely to develop cognitive decline. This finding highlights a strong connection between physical mobility and brain health.
Experts note that walking requires a complex interplay of balance, coordination, and strength, all reliant on healthy muscles. Bonnie Tsui, a science writer and author, explained that muscle health is closely correlated with cognitive health, especially as individuals age. Exercise, she noted, not only strengthens muscles but also contributes to brain growth.
Prior research has associated regular exercise with increased volume in the hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory and navigation. The current study observed that super movers tended to preserve their hippocampal volume as they aged. Muscle tissue acts as an endocrine organ, releasing signaling molecules during exercise that can influence other bodily systems, including promoting brain cell growth and regulating metabolism.
A Network of Body Systems
Dr. Amit Saini, a geriatrician with Kaiser Permanente, described walking and maintaining the ability to walk well as indicators of overall good health, as it engages multiple body systems. Walking supports cardiovascular and lung health by increasing heart rate and breathing, which ensures adequate blood flow to the brain and keeps the lungs functioning efficiently.
Interestingly, some super movers in the study showed brain plaques and tangles, abnormal proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, without exhibiting any symptoms. Researchers suggest this indicates that physical activity may help the brain remain resilient to age-related changes, even in the presence of such markers.
Lifestyle and Genetics
While genetics may play a role in who becomes a super mover, lifestyle habits are also crucial. The authors emphasized the importance of daily choices regarding diet, sleep, stress management, and social engagement. Nearly half of all dementia cases could potentially be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors.
Dr. Joe Verghese, chair of Neurology at Stony Brook Medicine and a study author, stated that fast walking serves as a marker of healthy aging for both the brain and body. He suggested that faster walkers might protect their brain health through mechanisms like reduced inflammation, improved cardiovascular function, and enhanced brain growth.
The findings carry a broad message: staying mobile and exercising regularly can contribute to a healthier aging process. The specific form of exercise is less critical than consistency, with habits like walking, swimming, or cycling offering long-term benefits for both muscle and memory.
Helene Elliott is the senior reporter for News Raise. She covers Science news. She also has a keen interest in photojournalism. Helene holds a nomination for the prestigious Red Smith Award. She is married to author Dennis D’Agostino, a former publicist with the New York Mets.
