Study Reveals Improved Brain Health With Less Than 4,000 Daily Steps

Recently published in the Journal of Alzheimer¡¯s Disease, a new study examining brain scans of over 10,000 individuals suggests that even a modest amount of exercise can contribute to increased brain volume. Here's what the study revealed!

What did the study reveal?

The research indicates that taking just a few thousand steps a day may be linked to a larger brain mass | Image: Pexels

The research indicates that taking just a few thousand steps a day may be linked to a larger brain mass, and maintaining or increasing brain volume could potentially have neuroprotective effects, reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Why not 10,000 steps a day?

This contrasts with the commonly recommended 10,000 steps, making it a more achievable goal for many individuals | Image: Pexels

Dr. David Merrill, the co-author of the study and director of the Pacific Neuroscience Institute¡¯s Brain Health Centre, highlighted the findings, stating, ¡°We discovered that even moderate levels of physical activity, like achieving fewer than 4,000 steps a day, can have a positive impact on brain health.¡±

This contrasts with the commonly recommended 10,000 steps, making it a more achievable goal for many individuals.

How many participated in the study?

The study involved 10,125 participants, with an average age of 52, who underwent whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to assess brain volume in relation to their levels of physical activity.

Whether participants engaged in activities such as walking, running, or playing sports, those involved in moderate to vigorous exercise, which elevates heart and lung activity for at least 10 minutes, demonstrated more grey matter in crucial brain regions such as the hippocampus (associated with memory), grey matter (central for information processing), and the occipital, frontal, and parietal lobes.

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