A new study has found that seniors over 80 who walk faster than their peers have about a 50 percent lower risk of cognitive decline, even if their brains show signs of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, The New York Post wrote.

Researchers call these people “super movers” (or super-movers). They make up only 6 to 10 percent of the elderly and usually walk at the speed of a person about 30 years younger.

The study, published in the scientific journal “Neurology”, analyzed the data of nearly 4,000 adults over several years.

The results showed that the “super-movers” had better cognitive functions and fewer new cases of Alzheimer’s or dementia, even though they had similar changes in the brain. with those of other people of the same age.

“This suggests that they may have protective mechanisms that allow them to maintain brain function even when age-related changes occur,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Joe Verghese.

He added that discovering these mechanisms could help develop new strategies for maintaining brain health during aging.

“The most important message is that mobility and health of the brain are closely related to each other,” he said.

According to experts, faster walking can be a sign of a healthier organism, as it reflects the condition of the brain, heart, muscles, metabolism and nervous system.

However, according to researchers, the research does not prove that only faster walking prevents dementia.

“Our study does not show that walking faster is enough to prevent the decline of cognitive functions. However, maintaining mobility is a very important part of healthy aging. Those who want to improve their walking pace should do so gradually and, if they have health problems, consult a doctor first,” said Verghese.

Experts add that regular physical activity, strength and balance exercises, as well as maintaining a good walking pace, can help not only the heart, but also brain health in old age.

Source: prizrenpost