Super movers: fast-walking seniors show brain resilience, not less Alzheimer's pathology
New analysis across three large aging cohorts shows that adults 80+ who maintain exceptionally fast walking speeds (“super movers”) have about a 50% lower risk of developing cognitive impairment and slower cognitive decline. MRI data from Ashkenazi Jewish elders revealed larger right hippocampal volumes and steadier processing speed/visuospatial skills, while autopsy data found similar Alzheimer's pathology to slower walkers, suggesting resilience rather than reduced disease. The findings are observational, so causality can’t be inferred, and generalizability may be limited; researchers call for diverse samples and exploration of lifestyle factors that promote healthy brain aging.
