Nov 04, 2025 12:30:00

Study finds that walking 5,000 steps a day can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, but even fewer steps can be effective

Alzheimer's disease , characterized by a decline in memory and cognitive function, is a serious neurodegenerative disorder that affects older adults and their families worldwide. A research team led by Mass General Brigham Medical Center, a US medical research institute, has announced that the progression of Alzheimer's disease may be slowed by simply walking 5,000 steps a day.

Physical activity as a modifiable risk factor in preclinical Alzheimer's disease | Nature Medicine
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03955-6

Alzheimer's Disease Could Be Slowed by Taking as Few as 5,000 Steps a Day : ScienceAlert
https://www.sciencealert.com/alzheimers-disease-could-be-slowed-by-taking-as-few-as-5000-steps-a-day

Alzheimer's disease is very common, affecting one in three people over the age of 85. Although scientists have yet to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease, understanding its mechanisms may help develop treatment strategies.

A research team led by Mass General Brigham neuroscientist Wai-Yin Wendy Yau conducted a study on 296 participants from the Harvard Aging Brain Study , which investigated age-related brain changes, various biomarkers, and lifestyle habits.

The study participants, aged between 50 and 90, were cognitively healthy at the start of the study. The study followed participants for up to 14 years, conducting brain scans to examine the accumulation of amyloid beta and tau proteins , which are associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease, as well as continuous cognitive testing and step counts measured using a wearable device.

The analysis found no correlation between physical activity and amyloid beta protein accumulation, but a clear correlation was confirmed between physical activity and tau protein accumulation and cognitive decline. Specifically, subjects who engaged in moderate physical activity (5,000 to 7,500 steps per day) had significantly reduced rates of tau protein accumulation and cognitive decline.

However, the effect of walking steps plateaued at 7,500 steps per day, and walking more than 7,500 steps produced only a similar effect. On the other hand, even walking fewer steps, such as 3,000 to 5,000 steps per day, did have a modest effect in delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease indicators.

While those who engaged in moderate exercise (5,000 to 7,500 steps per day) may have also engaged in other forms of physical activity that could explain this finding, the findings suggest that physical activity may be an accessible therapeutic target for preventing or slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

The research team's findings support the implementation of randomized clinical trials focusing on physical activity as a strategy to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease before it is diagnosed. They also suggest that providing understandable and achievable physical activity goals for sedentary older adults who are at high risk of cognitive decline may be an effective strategy for combating Alzheimer's disease.