‘Super movers’ have lower risk of brain decline in 80s

Key Points:

• A study published in Neurology identifies a rare group of older adults called “super movers,” who walk faster than average for their age and sex and exhibit significantly lower risk of cognitive decline despite similar Alzheimer-related brain changes as their peers.
• Super movers, comprising only 6 to 10% of older adults, tend to have fewer chronic medical conditions, healthier lifestyles, less depression, and a younger biological age, which may contribute to their cognitive resilience.
• Analysis of nearly 4,000 adults showed that super movers had better cognitive function and fewer new diagnoses of Alzheimer’s or dementia over time, suggesting they possess resilience mechanisms that maintain brain health despite aging-related brain changes.
• Experts emphasize the strong connection between mobility and brain health, recommending regular walking and maintaining gait speed as strategies to support cognitive resilience, alongside other benefits such as heart health and migraine control.
• While the study does not prove causation, gradual improvement in walking speed through safe training is advised as part of healthy aging, with medical guidance recommended for those with health concerns.