July 14, 2026, 2:34 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Those who are still unusually fast on their feet even at over 80 years old might differ from their peers in a significant way. A new study has examined whether there is more behind this exceptional mobility than just physical fitness. The results provide new insights into which factors might be associated with healthy brain aging. FITBOOK also asked study author Dr. Joe Verghese what he found to be the most surprising discovery of the analysis.
Walking Faster and Being Mentally Fitter
Researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, found that so-called “Super Movers” had about a 50 percent lower risk of developing cognitive impairment. The frequency of diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia was also significantly lower.
Moreover, memory and other mental abilities declined more slowly in these individuals. Imaging studies also showed that certain areas of the hippocampus were better preserved. This is a brain region important for learning and memory.
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How the Study Was Conducted
For the study, scientists analyzed data from several existing studies with adults aged 80 and older who did not have Alzheimer’s or dementia at the start.1
“Super Movers” were defined as individuals whose walking speed was significantly above the average for their age and gender group—approximately at the level of people about 30 years younger. The largest analysis included 3,989 participants, including 358 “Super Movers.” Over a period of about three to five and a half years, researchers examined how often cognitive impairment or dementia occurred.
Additionally, scientists analyzed data from another study with 197 participants. Researchers examined how memory and other mental abilities developed over time. They also analyzed whether differences in brain structure appeared. Furthermore, they evaluated data from a third cohort of 692 people. In these participants, brain tissue was examined after death for typical changes associated with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Surprising Mental Performance in “Super Movers”
Compared to peers with normal walking speed, “Super Movers” developed cognitive impairment about half as often during the follow-up period. The risk of self-reported Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia was also significantly lower. Additionally, their mental performance declined more slowly, affecting both memory and other cognitive abilities.
However, examinations of brain tissue after death showed no difference in the pathological changes typical of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Nevertheless, “Super Movers” remained mentally sharper into old age and, on average, reached a higher age than the comparison group.
Researchers were particularly surprised that better mental performance was evident despite comparable pathological changes in the brain. “One of the most fascinating findings was that the ‘Super Movers’ had better cognitive function than their peers aged 80 and older, despite having a similar extent of dementia-related brain pathology. This suggests they may have resilience mechanisms that help maintain cognitive function despite age-related changes in the brain. Understanding these protective factors could open new avenues to promote healthy brain aging,” says study author Dr. Joe Verghese to FITBOOK.
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What This Specifically Means
The results suggest that an exceptionally high walking speed in old age could be an indicator of particularly healthy brain aging. According to the authors, fast walking reflects the interplay of several body systems—including the brain, cardiovascular system, muscles, and nervous system.
Study Evaluation
One of the strengths of the study is that researchers evaluated several independent studies with very elderly participants, examining both mental performance and changes in the brain.
However, it is an observational study. Therefore, it cannot show that high walking speed is the cause of better brain health. It is also possible that a healthier brain contributes to faster walking or that both traits are due to the same biological factors. Additionally, some subgroups, such as those for MRI and tissue examinations, were relatively small, so individual results should be interpreted with caution.
Regardless, scientists see a clear message for older adults. “The most important message is to stay physically, mentally, and socially active. Regular walking, strength and balance exercises, good sleep, controlling cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes, and social engagement can all support healthy aging,” says study author Dr. Verghese.