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The number of dementia cases is rising, with more than 55 million people affected worldwide. There is mounting evidence that regular physical exercise can reduce the risk of dementia.

Walking is a Key Step to Brain Health

Stay active for mental and physical health and improve longevity

“Dead man walking” couldn’t be a more mixed-up saying. Besides the obvious reasons, you’re far from doomed if you’re walking! Research on exercise points to walking as one of the best medicinal practices for your health. It’s good for your heart, muscles, bones, and mood; the list goes on and on. Now, new research adds brain health to the list. If you’re walking even just shy of 10,000 steps a day, you are cutting your chances of developing dementia in half.

Recently, scientists studied a group of participants’ data from the UK Biobank. There were 78,430 healthy participants with an average age of 61. Each of these participants wore an accelerometer 24 hours a day. Then, they were observed for seven years. Participants who took at least 3,826 steps each day lowered their risk for dementia by 25 percent. Those who took 9,800 steps a day reduced their risk by 50 percent! Researchers also noted that participants never reached several steps that were adverse to their health. The more steps participants took, the more beneficial it was to their health.

7 steps to a healthier brain.

So, who is this good news for?

For those who struggle to plan:. You don’t have to schedule hours of training into your day to get moving. Instead, think strategically about how to walk more. You know the drill. Park further away, take the stairs, etc.

For those who struggle financially: No fancy gym membership is required to keep your blood flowing and your mind sharp. Walking also requires no high-tech gear. At most, you need a good pair of shoes to get going.

For those predisposed to dementia: You have a specific way you can actively combat a potential threat to your health. Feel anxious or worried about your health? It’s probably time to take a walk.

This is excellent news for everyone. How will you motivate yourself to get going?

Step-counters (or accelerometers): In this day and age, nearly every cell phone can count your steps. Adding walking to your routine alone is great! But having a device that tells you how many steps you’ve taken might push you to take more steps! Determine if your phone or watch can count steps or consider investing in an accelerometer.

Friends: There are many ways to compete for steps depending on the device and apps you use to track your efforts, but there’s also no harm in comparing with a friend or roommate over dinner if your devices don’t connect. Hold each other accountable to get a certain number of steps each day.

Are you looking for some accountability? Come set goals with ALYKA! Check out our blog and learn more about how our app can help you on your health journey.

 

Resources

Association of Daily Step Count and Intensity With Incident Dementia in 78 430 Adults Living in the UK

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