A large study published this month in Nature Medicine examined whether physical activity can slow the progression of pathological changes in Alzheimer's disease – even before signs of dementia appear.

What did they investigate?

• The researchers followed hundreds of people aged 60+ with normal cognitive function (who were not diagnosed as suffering from dementia or mild cognitive decline), some with evidence (in brain mapping) of high levels of the amyloid protein in the brain (the presence of the amyloid protein in the brain defines the pathology as Alzheimer's disease).
• Each participant wore a pedometer, and this is how it was measured Daily step count His over time.
• At the same time, all study participants underwent brain mapping to determine the presence of amyloid and tau protein deposits (which characterize the pathology of Alzheimer's disease), memory tests, and assessments of daily functioning – for about 7–8 years.

What did they find?

• More steps – less "deposition of proteins typical of Alzheimer's disease in the brain"": Tau protein accumulated at a slower rate, and brain tissue depletion was less in the brains of study participants who exercised regularly (even when the level of amyloid protein in their brains was high).
• More steps – slower decline in memory and function: Memory and functional ability (financial management, orientation, household chores, etc.) were better preserved among those who were physically active.
• "Dose" effect": The more they walked, the lower the risk of deterioration in memory, function, and the accumulation of pathological protein deposits in the brain. The risk of deterioration was low By tens of percent In those who walked over 6700 steps a day.

What are the conclusions?

• Physical activity – even At a moderate daily level Like walking – it probably is Protective factor In the "latent" stage of Alzheimer's (before clinical signs appear).
• Activity doesn't just "feel better," it's actually related to To slow down degenerative processes in the brain (mainly the spread of tau protein), even in people who already have amyloid in their brains.
• Even in old age, and even when there are already changes in the brain, There is still work to be done. – And it is probably possible to slow down the deterioration process.

What are the recommendations for the public?

The recommendations here are general only, and do not replace personal medical advice. Especially if you are 65+ or have underlying medical conditions, it is important to consult a doctor before starting a new program.

• Introduce regular movement into your daily routine: Walking at a comfortable pace, several times a week, preferably every day.
• start small: Even 5–10 minutes of walking, 2–3 times a day, is a good start. You can gradually reach 3,000–4,000 steps later, and then aim for about 6,000–7,000 steps a day – if it is medically appropriate.
• Prefer walking "naturally integrated into life"": Getting off one stop earlier, taking the stairs when possible, taking a short walk after a meal, walking a grandchild to school.
• Choose an activity that is appropriate for your age and health condition.: Walking with a cane/walker, walking in an air-conditioned mall, water aerobics, gentle movement classes – whatever feels safe and pleasant.
• Make it together: Walking with your partner, friends, or a group increases the chances of persevering, and also adds a social encounter that is important for brain health.

The main message from the study

Even if we can't control all risk factors, we can influence the amount of our daily movement . A few hundred to a thousand additional steps a day, regularly and according to ability, can be a significant investment in the future of our memory and functioning.

The full article

• Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03955-6
• Reference:

Yau, WW, Kin, DK, Rabin, JS, Properzi, M., Schultz, AP, Shirzadi, Z., … Chhatwal, JP (2025). Physical activity as a modifiable risk factor in preclinical Alzheimer's disease . Nature Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-025-03955-6