How many steps do you usually take per day? If you haven’t been trying so hard to lead a more active life, you may now have a good reason to do so: according to a study published in the scientific journal Gamma NeurologyWalking about 10,000 steps a day can reduce the chance of developing dementia by 50% compared to more sedentary people.
illness Alzheimer’s disease It is the most common form of dementia. With the aging of the world’s population, cases are increasing. However, although this condition is linked to factors such as age, genes, gender and ethnicity, the researchers concluded that lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on the onset of symptoms of this disease.
The number of steps and dementia
The study took into account data from 78,430 people with an average age of 61 years. Participants were followed for about 7 years with a device with an accelerometer capable of counting the number of steps taken per day – similar to today’s smartwatches.
Study links more steps per day with a lower risk of dementia
Of the people who were followed, 1.1% (866 participants) developed dementia, the majority of whom were immobilized. Based on the data analysis, the ideal number of steps to reduce the chance of developing cognitive impairment by 51% is 9,826 steps. However, benefits can already be seen in those who take at least 3,826 steps per day.
Intensity and other factors make the difference
The study also came to the conclusion that the intensity of walking or running can also significantly influence the risk of developing dementia at older ages. In addition, other aspects such as diet and brain exercises can help delay the onset of symptoms.
However, the researchers stress that the study is observational and cannot lead to irresponsible conclusions regarding cognitive diseases.
“Writer. Analyst. Avid travel maven. Devoted twitter guru. Unapologetic pop culture expert. General zombie enthusiast.”
