September 13, 2022

Walking More Will Cut Your Risk of Developing Dementia

Walking between 3,800 and 9,800 steps each day can reduce your risk of mental decline, according to a new Journal of the American Medical Association study.

People between the ages of 40 and 79 who took 9,826 steps per day were 50% less likely to develop dementia within seven years, the study found. People who walked with “purpose” — at a pace over 40 steps a minute — were able to cut their risk of dementia by 57% with just 6,315 steps a day. Experts describe 40 steps per minute as “a brisk walking activity,” similar to a power walk.

Even people who walked approximately 3,800 steps a day at any speed cut their risk of dementia by 25%, the study found.

“If you don’t have a step counter, you can count the number of steps you take in 10 seconds and then multiply it by six to calculate steps per minute,” said Joseph Peters, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “However, before beginning any new exercise program, consult your doctor, and stop right away if you experience pain.”