Regular walking can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s for many, study shows

New research shows that even walking 15 minutes per day can lower the risk of developing cognitive decline and risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

The first steps towards reducing the risk of cognitive decline associated with aging could be as simple as going for regular walks, according to new research.

Multiple studies have shown that regular physical activity can be beneficial as part of an overall healthy lifestyle, and new research shared with Global News shows that it can also help reduce the risk of cognitive decline associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

“Higher amounts of self-reported walking were associated with protection against declines in global thinking as well as in that executive function in both males and females,” says neuroscience, brain health and exercise researcher Dr. Cindy Barha at the University of Calgary, who was part of the research.

“So if you had a greater risk, physical activity, walking seems to be even more beneficial, like really important to be doing.”

Barha’s team will be presenting the findings of the study at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference on Tuesday.

The study involved roughly 3,000 participants over a 10-year period, with ages ranging from 70 to 79, who reported their daily walking routines to researchers.

Those participants, who started the study with no cognitive impairments, were tested every few years to gauge their cognitive functions and speed, with positive results.

“Engaging in habitual physical activity may mitigate these (cognitive decline) effects by preserving global cognition and executive function in older age,” the study’s report says.