Older adults with early Alzheimer’s signs slowed cognitive decline by walking 3,000–7,500 steps daily, study finds.

A new observational study published in Nature Medicine finds that older adults with early biological signs of Alzheimer’s, such as elevated tau proteins, may slow cognitive decline by increasing daily steps. Those walking 3,000 to 5,000 steps daily delayed decline by about three years, while 5,000 to 7,500 steps led to up to seven years of delay, with benefits plateauing beyond that. The study linked higher activity to slower tau accumulation—closely tied to memory loss—but not to changes in beta-amyloid levels. Though it does not prove causation, the findings suggest physical activity may help protect brain health in at-risk individuals.