Older adults who walk faster are less prone to cognitive decline

Nour Nour El-Din: A recent American study published in the journal Neurology suggests that walking speed may be an indicator of brain health, not just physical fitness and heart health. Researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that individuals over the age of 80 who walk faster than their peers are less likely to experience cognitive decline and have a larger volume in a brain region associated with memory. The researchers relied on data from nearly 4,000 people who participated in a long-term study on aging in the United States. The team measured participants’ walking speeds and categorized those whose speed was significantly higher than average for their age into a group they termed “superagers,” who accounted for about 9% of the participants. Walking speed was not the only factor under study; researchers also tracked participants’ cognitive status over time to monitor for any signs of decline in memory, thinking, or concentration.

Study Results: The findings were striking. It was found that older adults in the “superager” group were about 50% less likely to suffer from cognitive decline compared to their peers with average or slower walking speeds. Dr. Sophia Milman, one of the researchers involved in the study, explained that a “superager” is someone over 80 who retains motor abilities much higher than expected for their age, and this motor performance appears to be linked to the preservation of mental capabilities. The results extended beyond cognitive tests, also showing that these individuals maintained a larger hippocampus, a brain region that plays a pivotal role in forming memories and learning. The hippocampus is known to be among the first areas affected by Alzheimer’s disease, so preserving its size is a positive indicator of brain health as people age.

Why Are Muscles Linked to the Brain? The connection between walking and memory may seem strange, but scientists emphasize that muscles are not just organs responsible for movement. When physical activity is performed, muscles secrete bioactive compounds known as “myokines,” which are chemicals that travel through the blood and affect various organs, including the brain. Physical activity also increases the production of a protein known as “brain-derived neurotrophic factor” (BDNF), which helps nerve cells grow, survive, and enhances the brain’s ability to form new neural connections, a process essential for maintaining memory and learning as one ages.

Does Walking Speed Protect the Brain? Researchers stress an important point: the study does not prove that fast walking directly prevents cognitive decline. Individuals who walk quickly may already have better overall health, higher physical fitness, or genetic factors that help them preserve both brain and muscle health. Interestingly, some participants who maintained high walking speeds already had brain deposits associated with Alzheimer’s disease, yet they did not show clear symptoms. Researchers believe that physical activity may enhance what is called “cognitive reserve,” meaning the brain’s ability to resist the effects of pathological changes for a longer period.

Movement Is Beneficial at Any Age: Experts emphasize that the most important message from the study is not the need to walk at high speeds, but rather to remain active regardless of age. Regular walking simultaneously activates the heart, lungs, muscles, and brain, improves blood and oxygen flow to nervous tissues, and reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, all of which increase the likelihood of developing dementia.