Walking Nearly 10,000 Steps a Day May Significantly Lower Dementia Risk, Study Finds

ISLAMABAD: Regular walking may play a key role in maintaining brain health and reducing the risk of dementia, with new research suggesting that nearly 10,000 steps a day offers the greatest protective benefit.

Dementia is a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking, and other cognitive abilities. While some medications may slow its progression, there is currently no cure. Experts estimate that up to 45% of dementia cases may be preventable through healthy lifestyle habits, including regular physical activity.

Walking is considered one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise for brain health, as it improves blood flow to the brain and supports areas responsible for memory, which are particularly affected by dementia.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), walking 9,800 steps a day was associated with a 51% lower risk of developing dementia. The research analyzed data from more than 78,000 participants to examine the relationship between daily physical activity and brain health.

The study also found that even 3,800 steps per day could reduce the risk of dementia by 25%, especially when the walking pace was brisk.

Researchers noted that participants who walked more had better brain health outcomes than those with lower daily step counts. They also emphasized that walking speed is an important indicator of overall health.

A slower walking pace in older adults may signal an increased risk of cognitive decline over the following seven years. According to the researchers, reduced walking speed can indicate that multiple body systems are no longer functioning as efficiently as they once did.

They added that older adults who frequently fall while walking or become so short of breath that they struggle to hold a conversation during a walk should consult a healthcare professional.

The researchers concluded that people of all ages can benefit from making walking a daily habit. Even older adults who spend much of their day sitting can improve their brain health by gradually increasing their daily step count over time.

Note: The findings are based on scientific research and show an association rather than proving that walking alone prevents dementia. Individuals should seek medical advice for concerns about memory or brain health.