Long-term changes in time spent walking and subsequent cognitive and structural brain changes in older adults

This study examined how changes in walking habits over a decade influence cognitive health and brain structure in older adults. Using MRI and cognitive tests, researchers found that maintaining or increasing walking activity was associated with reduced hippocampal shrinkage, better preservation of gray matter and white matter microstructure, and slower cognitive decline. Importantly, long-term consistency in walking was more predictive of these benefits than baseline activity levels or short-term changes. This highlights walking's potential role in promoting brain health and mitigating age-related declines.

Older adults should aim to incorporate consistent walking routines into their daily lives, gradually increasing duration if possible. This research underscores the importance of long-term adherence to physical activity for brain health, but as it is observational, causality cannot be confirmed. Consulting with a healthcare provider to tailor activity levels to individual needs and conditions is advisable.