A new study in Neurology found that adults over 80 who maintained an exceptionally fast walking pace — dubbed “super movers” — were about 50% less likely to develop cognitive decline than their peers.
The findings, based on nearly 4,000 older adults, suggest that gait speed may be a powerful marker of healthy brain aging. Researchers also found that these fast walkers were more likely to preserve hippocampal volume, a brain region critical for memory and navigation.
GW experts are available to discuss:
- Why walking speed may reflect overall brain and body health
- The connection between muscle health and cognitive function
- Whether exercise can help build resilience against age-related brain changes
- Practical strategies older adults can use to stay mobile and reduce dementia risk
If you would like to schedule an interview, please contact Katelyn Deckelbaum, katelyn [dot] deckelbaum
gwu [dot] edu (katelyn[dot]deckelbaum[at]gwu[dot]edu).
Marinella Temprosa, an associate research professor of biostatistics at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health, helped lead a study published that shows the long-term value of something as simple as a daily walk for 30 minutes five times a week. The study showed that such exercise combined with a low-fat healthy diet could reduce the long-term development of diabetes by 24%.
Loretta DiPietro is a professor of exercise and nutrition sciences at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health.
Todd Miller, is an associate professor of exercise and nutrition sciences and the former director of the GW Weight Management and Human Performance Lab.
-GW-