The number of steps people take each day may offer an indication of\ntheir future brain health. A recent study found that people who walked\nfewer than 5,000 steps a day were associated with a higher risk of\ndementia, Parkinson\u2019s disease and stroke.<\/p>\n
The study analysed a year\u2019s worth of Fitbit fitness-tracker data from\nmore than 22,000 adults aged 40 and over. Researchers then examined\nparticipants\u2019 medical records for the following five years.<\/p>\n
The rates of dementia, Parkinson\u2019s disease and stroke were 80 per\ncent higher among those walking fewer than 5,000 steps a day than among\nthose taking more than 12,000. The less-active group also had higher\nrates of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and depression.\nResearchers said these conditions could help explain some of the\ndifferences observed.<\/p>\n
\u201cUltimately, how much you move over the course of a year can offer a\npicture of your overall brain and body health,\u201d said the study\u2019s lead\nauthor, Dr Meet Popatbhai Kachhadia of Florida Atlantic University,\naccording to US News on Tuesday (20 October 2026).<\/p>\n
Another Florida Atlantic University researcher, Dr Marc Swerdloff,\nencouraged people to develop physically active habits. He said people\nshould set realistic fitness goals that they can maintain over the long\nterm to improve their health.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone should make a habit of engaging in regular physical\nactivity, setting realistic and sustainable fitness goals to improve\ntheir health,\u201d Swerdloff said.<\/p>\n
He cited the example of people who walked an average of around 8,000\nsteps a day, whose rates of neurological disease were lower than those\nin the least-active group. That target is also consistent with federal\nguidance recommending about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical\nactivity each week.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo you don\u2019t always have to reach 12,000 steps a day. Walking 8,000\nsteps a day is already very good,\u201d Swerdloff said.<\/p>\n
The researchers nevertheless emphasised that further studies are\nneeded to confirm the relationship between daily step counts and\nneurological diseases. The study is due to be presented in San Diego at\na meeting of the American Neurological Association.<\/p>\n
Walking has also been linked to longevity. Cardiologist Dr Bradley\nSerwer said walking for 10 minutes each day could help maintain heart\nhealth.<\/p>\n
Walking raises the heart rate, making the cardiovascular system work\nharder. Aerobic activities such as walking can also strengthen the heart\nmuscle, improve blood circulation and help keep blood vessels\nflexible.<\/p>\n
\u201cNumerous studies show that at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity\na week can reduce the overall risk of death by 20 to 30 per cent. That\nis equivalent to walking for 30 minutes five times a week,\u201d Dr Serwer\nsaid, according to Eating Well.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/walking-fewer-than-5-000-steps-a-day-linked-to-higher-stroke-risk-1792518678", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }