Khaberni - A scientific study revealed that taking five thousand steps a day may reduce the negative biological changes occurring in the brain due to Alzheimer’s disease.
The scientific team from several research institutions, such as Harvard Medical School, Stony Brook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Banner Alzheimer's Institute, and others, explained that walking five thousand steps daily decreases the accumulation of tau protein, a key element of Alzheimer’s disease. These proteins spread in the brain as the disease progresses, leading to memory and cognitive function deterioration.
The study, published in the scientific journal "Nature" specialized in scientific research, included approximately 300 adults aged between 50 to 90 years who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in the preclinical stage, where symptoms clearly appear in patients.
In the course of the study, volunteers wore a device measuring the number of steps and underwent brain scans to determine the levels of tau protein accumulation and amyloid clumps also considered causes of Alzheimer’s, along with annual tests to measure memory efficiency.
The study found that volunteers who walked longer distances ranging between five to seven thousand steps daily had less tau protein and retained their mental capabilities for a longer period; indeed, even those who walked only three thousand steps a day also showed a decline in disease symptoms.
The "Health Day" website specializing in scientific research quoted researchers involved in the study saying that walking five thousand steps a day is an achievable goal for older adults, and it has become easier to track the number of steps each individual takes thanks to modern electronic measuring tools like smartwatches, for example.
