A daily walk might do more than lift your mood — it could also help slow changes in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s disease. A new study in Nature Medicine found that older adults showing early signs of Alzheimer’s who walked more each day had slower buildup of harmful tau proteins and stayed mentally sharp for years longer.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital followed nearly 300 adults ages 50 to 90 for more than 10 years. Those who walked 3,000 to 5,000 steps a day delayed memory loss by about three years. People who walked 5,000 to 7,500 steps delayed it by as much as seven years. The difference came from slower buildup of tau — a protein tied to memory decline — even though other Alzheimer’s markers didn’t change.
Experts say walking isn’t a cure, but it’s a powerful habit for brain health. Moving regularly, sleeping well, managing stress, and eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables all help protect the brain. The study adds to growing evidence that caring for your heart also helps your mind. Even a few thousand steps a day can make a difference — one walk at a time.
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