A study published in Neurology has identified a rare cohort of older adults, known as “super movers,” who maintain high cognitive function despite showing Alzheimer’s-related brain changes. These individuals, representing only 6% to 10% of the older population, exhibit walking speeds typical of people 30 years their junior, suggesting that physical mobility may serve as a critical marker and potential buffer against cognitive decline.
What defines a “super mover”?
Super movers are defined by a singular physical trait: an exceptionally fast walking speed for their age and sex. According to research published in Neurology, this phenotype is rare, observed in roughly 6% to 10% of the population. These individuals do not merely walk quickly; their movement speed often mirrors that of someone about 30 years younger.
Researchers classify super movers as having a “novel exceptional aging phenotype,” characterized by lower rates of chronic disease, reduced depression, and a younger biological age compared to their peers.
How does walking speed relate to brain health?
The connection between gait and cognition is rooted in systemic health. Dr. Joe Verghese, lead author of the study, Chair and Professor of Neurology at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, notes that walking speed reflects the integrated performance of the brain, muscles, heart, metabolism, and nervous system.
In a study analyzing nearly 4,000 participants from the Health and Retirement Study network, researchers found that super movers had fewer diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Crucially, these individuals often possessed the same level of dementia-related brain changes as their peers who experienced cognitive decline. This suggests that super movers may possess resilience mechanisms that allow them to maintain cognitive function even when physical brain pathology is present.
Can training improve cognitive resilience?
While the study establishes a clear link between mobility and brain health, Dr. Verghese cautions that it does not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship. It remains unclear whether fast walking prevents cognitive decline or if a healthier brain simply allows for faster movement.
However, experts suggest that the benefits of maintaining mobility are multifaceted. Dr. Alexander Mauskop, founder of NY Headache Center and a professor of clinical neurology at SUNY Downstate, noted that the “super mover” profile is likely the result of decades of regular exercise and vascular health. Mauskop suggests that doctors can frame regular walking, strength training, and balance exercises as a strategy to support cognitive resilience, in addition to their benefits for heart and migraine health.
If you are looking to improve your walking speed, Dr. Verghese recommends starting slowly. Building physical activity gradually and consulting with a medical professional is the safest approach to maintaining mobility in later life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does walking faster guarantee I won’t get Alzheimer’s?
No. According to Dr. Verghese, the study cannot establish that walking faster prevents dementia. It identifies a correlation, suggesting that mobility is a sign of integrated systemic health that may help the brain remain resilient.
What percentage of older adults are considered super movers?
Data from the Neurology study indicates that only about 6% to 10% of adults qualify as super movers.
Are there other benefits to being a super mover?
Yes. Research shows that these individuals generally have fewer chronic medical conditions, lower rates of depression, and a younger biological age than their peers.
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