Stride Speed Linked to Halving Dementia Risk, New Study Finds

A Neurology study analyzing data from seven studies found that adults aged 80 and older who walk as fast as younger adults—described as “super movers”—have about a 50% lower risk of cognitive impairment and a 60% lower risk of Alzheimer’s/dementia compared with slower peers, with similar brain pathology suggesting resilience rather than less disease. Faster gait appears to reflect better overall health and may indicate protective brain mechanisms, reinforcing the message that staying physically active and maintaining mobility is important for cognitive health in aging.