The framework of the issue
A new analysis covering more than 900 older adults suggests that walking faster may delay the onset of dementia in people showing signs of cognitive impairment. The researchers note that walking speed and the pushing power of the legs may alter the risk of cognitive decline in people prone to dementia.
The Basque timeline
The disease, which affects approximately 50 million people worldwide, is estimated to potentially triple by 2050.
Approximately 900 people aged 60-85, who were at high risk of dementia but did not have dementia, participated in the study conducted in Spain’s Basque Country.
Measured change
Participants were given cognitive tests; speed on a 6-meter walk, grip strength, and leg power were measured.
According to the findings, when walking speed exceeded 1.59 meters per second, the effect of age on brain functions began to diminish, and when it reached 1.83 meters, it began to become undetectable. A similar result was observed when grip strength rose to 48.8 kilograms and leg power to 438 watts.
Cachexia figures
However, this effect was limited to men; only 14% of the men could walk faster than 1.59 meters per second.
In the study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, it was emphasized that these figures do not constitute clinical threshold values, and a call was made for longer-term research.