According to research, taking at least 3,000 steps a day can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

In the study conducted by scientists from Mass General Brigham Hospital in the USA, 296 people between the ages of 50 and 90 were followed for 14 years.

In this context, participants' cognitive performance was measured annually, their step counts were recorded with pedometers, and amyloid and tau protein levels in their brains were examined with PET scans.

Accordingly, people with higher levels of amyloid in their brains at baseline had a higher risk of Alzheimer's, but among these individuals, those who walked more experienced slower rates of cognitive decline and later progression of tau accumulation.

Although it is generally recommended to take 10,000 steps a day for a healthy lifestyle, the study found that cognitive decline was delayed by an average of 3 years in people who took 3,000 to 5,000 steps a day, and 7 years in those who took 5,000 to 7,000 steps a day.

Dr. Wai-Ying Wendy Yau, one of the study's co-authors, said it was encouraging that the results showed that even small amounts of exercise provided benefits.

The results of the study were published in the journal "Nature Medicine".