Scientists have noted the ability of walking to be the best protection against Alzheimer's disease

Studies have shown that increased physical activity can significantly slow the onset of Alzheimer's disease, especially for people at increased risk. This is due to a slowdown in cognitive impairment in older people with elevated levels of beta-amyloid, a protein closely associated with the disease. This was reported on November 4 by Science Daily magazine.

On average, people who walk 3-5 thousand steps a day had cognitive impairments delayed by an average of three years. Those who took 5-7.5 thousand steps experienced a seven-year delay in progress. At the same time, the study participants who led a sedentary lifestyle had a faster accumulation of tau proteins in the brain, which is associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease, as well as a more dramatic deterioration in cognitive abilities and daily functioning.

"This sheds light on why some people who are on the verge of Alzheimer's do not get worse as quickly as others. Lifestyle factors seem to influence the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that lifestyle changes can slow down the onset of cognitive symptoms if we act early," said Jasmeer Chhatwal, MD and PhD, from the Department of Neurology at Mass General Brigham Hospital.

As part of the study, the researchers tested 296 participants between the ages of 50 and 90, who showed no signs of cognitive impairment at the time of the start of the analysis. Participants wore pedometers and underwent PET scans to measure beta-amyloid and tau proteins in the brain. They also underwent annual cognitive tests for a period of two to 14 years.

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What did the scientists find out during the experiment on transgenic mice?

According to the results, participants with elevated beta-amyloid levels who took more steps during the day experienced delayed cognitive decline and accumulation of tau protein. At the same time, participants with low beta-amyloid levels showed few signs of cognitive decline or tau protein accumulation, and there was no significant association with activity levels.

"These results show that it is possible to develop cognitive resilience and resistance to tau pathology at the preclinical stage of Alzheimer's disease. This is particularly encouraging in our efforts to prevent dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease, as well as reduce the risk of dementia caused by a variety of related factors," said study co—author Reisa Sperling, MD, a neurologist at Mass General Brigham Hospital and co-director of the Harvard Brain Aging Study.

The researchers intend to continue studying the types of physical activity that are most beneficial to the brain. It is emphasized that the results can become the basis for future clinical trials aimed at testing physical activity interventions and their effect on slowing cognitive impairment in the elderly. The first author of the study, Wendy Yau, MD, a cognitive neurologist from Mass General Brigham Hospital, noted that scientists want to give people the opportunity to protect their brains and cognitive health.

Earlier, on October 29, Science Daily pointed to the ability of walking habits to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It was noted that it is not the number of steps taken during the day that is important, but the quality and regularity of movements. According to the publication, it is recommended to walk outdoors for 10-15 minutes a day — this will reduce the risk of heart disease by two thirds compared to people who prefer shorter walks.

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