A new study has revealed that walking more than 5,000 steps a day can slow down the decline in brain function and the accumulation of Alzheimer’s related proteins in the brain.
The latest research, which continued for 14 years, is the first of its kind to examine the relationship between different types of physical activities and key indicators of Alzheimer’s disease.
Experts from Harvard University, who analyzed data from 294 individuals aged between 50 and 90 years, also found that people showing early signs of Alzheimer’s can benefit from a suitable amount of exercise to help slow the disease’s progression.
The participants’ brains contained proteins called amyloid and tau, but no signs of dementia were observed.
To measure their physical activity, such as walking, participants were given pedometers, their brains were scanned, and their cognitive performance was monitored over 14 years.
The study found that individuals with higher physical activity levels experienced slower declines in thinking and memory abilities caused by the amyloid proteins present in the brain.
