Walking Fewer Than 5,000 Steps a Day Linked to Higher Stroke Risk

The number of steps people take each day may offer an indication of their future brain health. A recent study found that people who walked fewer than 5,000 steps a day were associated with a higher risk of dementia, Parkinson’s disease and stroke.

The study analysed a year’s worth of Fitbit fitness-tracker data from more than 22,000 adults aged 40 and over. Researchers then examined participants’ medical records for the following five years.

The rates of dementia, Parkinson’s disease and stroke were 80 per cent higher among those walking fewer than 5,000 steps a day than among those taking more than 12,000. The less-active group also had higher rates of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and depression. Researchers said these conditions could help explain some of the differences observed.

“Ultimately, how much you move over the course of a year can offer a picture of your overall brain and body health,” said the study’s lead author, Dr Meet Popatbhai Kachhadia of Florida Atlantic University, according to US News on Tuesday (20 October 2026).

Another Florida Atlantic University researcher, Dr Marc Swerdloff, encouraged people to develop physically active habits. He said people should set realistic fitness goals that they can maintain over the long term to improve their health.

“Everyone should make a habit of engaging in regular physical activity, setting realistic and sustainable fitness goals to improve their health,” Swerdloff said.

He cited the example of people who walked an average of around 8,000 steps a day, whose rates of neurological disease were lower than those in the least-active group. That target is also consistent with federal guidance recommending about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.

“So you don’t always have to reach 12,000 steps a day. Walking 8,000 steps a day is already very good,” Swerdloff said.

The researchers nevertheless emphasised that further studies are needed to confirm the relationship between daily step counts and neurological diseases. The study is due to be presented in San Diego at a meeting of the American Neurological Association.

Walking has also been linked to longevity. Cardiologist Dr Bradley Serwer said walking for 10 minutes each day could help maintain heart health.

Walking raises the heart rate, making the cardiovascular system work harder. Aerobic activities such as walking can also strengthen the heart muscle, improve blood circulation and help keep blood vessels flexible.

“Numerous studies show that at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week can reduce the overall risk of death by 20 to 30 per cent. That is equivalent to walking for 30 minutes five times a week,” Dr Serwer said, according to Eating Well.