A specific subset of older adults, identified as ‘super movers,’ exhibit a significantly lower risk of cognitive decline and maintain better cognitive function, even when their brains show signs of dementia-related changes. This finding comes from a study published in the journal Neurology, which examined a group of individuals over the age of 80.
Researchers describe this group as possessing a “novel exceptional aging phenotype,” a biological profile that could offer insights into mechanisms of brain health preservation in aging. Super movers are defined by their walking speed, which is exceptionally fast for their age and sex, typically aligning with that of individuals approximately 30 years younger. This group constitutes only about 6% to 10% of the older adult population.
Previous research indicated that super movers tend to have fewer chronic health issues, healthier lifestyles, lower rates of depression, and a younger biological age compared to their peers. The latest study aimed to determine if this physical advantage also correlated with cognitive health.
Mobility and Cognitive Health Intertwined
For the study, researchers analyzed data from nearly 4,000 adults over several years, tracking participants from the Health and Retirement Study network. The results revealed that super movers not only had better cognitive function than their age-matched peers but also showed fewer new diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease or dementia. This held true even when their brains displayed similar levels of dementia-related changes as those experiencing cognitive decline.
Dr. Joe Verghese, lead author of the study and Chair and Professor of Neurology at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, highlighted the significance of this finding. He suggested that super movers might possess resilience mechanisms that enable them to maintain cognitive function despite the presence of age-related brain changes. Understanding these mechanisms could pave the way for new strategies to promote healthy brain aging.
"The biggest takeaway is that mobility and brain health are deeply interconnected," Verghese stated. He cautioned that the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, positing that faster walking speed could be both an indicator of a healthier brain and a factor that contributes to its preservation.
Lifestyle Factors and Brain Health
Dr. Alexander Mauskop, founder of NY Headache Center and a professor of clinical neurology at SUNY Downstate, noted that the study’s findings have implications for understanding aging, gait, and neurological conditions. The 'super mover' profile likely reflects a combination of factors built over decades, including better vascular health, consistent exercise, and other protective lifestyle choices. These are many of the same factors recommended for managing migraines and preventing strokes.
Mauskop suggested that healthcare providers can use these findings to reinforce recommendations for healthy aging. Maintaining mobility, strength, and balance into later life can be framed not only as beneficial for cardiovascular health and migraine control but also as a strategy to support cognitive resilience.
For older adults interested in improving their walking speed, Verghese advised a gradual approach. "The practical message is that maintaining mobility is an important part of healthy aging," he said. He added that while the study doesn't prove that simply walking faster prevents cognitive decline, individuals can safely enhance their walking speed through training, ideally progressing slowly and consulting with a healthcare professional for any significant health concerns.