Meet the “Super Movers”
There’s a fresh wave of what you might call “superhumans”—but they’re not your typical superheroes. These individuals are all in their 80s and above.
A recent study from the journal Neurology has spotlighted a unique group of older adults dubbed “super movers.” They seem to enjoy a significant edge when it comes to cognitive health, displaying a much lower risk of cognitive decline, even when showing typical Alzheimer-related changes in the brain for their age.
This group is characterized by what researchers call a “novel exceptional aging phenotype,” suggesting they may hold critical insights into how some people maintain brain health as they age.
What’s their secret? Interestingly, it’s as simple as walking speed.
Only about 6 to 10% of older adults fall into the “super mover” category—those who can walk faster than average peers, often at a pace typical for someone about 30 years younger.
Prior studies have noted that these individuals usually experience fewer chronic illnesses, lead healthier lifestyles, show less depression, and appear biologically younger compared to their contemporaries.
The latest research took this further, examining whether this physical edge might translate into cognitive advantages.
Researchers studied nearly 4,000 adults through the Health and Retirement Study over several years, focusing on whether super movers faced less cognitive decline over time.
The findings were compelling: super movers exhibited better cognitive function than others in the same age and sex categories. Additionally, there were fewer new diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia among them, despite their brains showing similar dementia-related changes to their peers.
This aspect stood out for Dr. Joe Verghese, a neurologist involved in the study. He remarked that it hints at potential resilience mechanisms within super movers that help preserve cognitive function even amidst age-related brain changes. “Understanding these factors could pave the way for new strategies to promote healthy brain aging,” he stated.
The key takeaway here? Mobility and cognitive health appear intricately linked.
Dr. Alexander Mauskop, a neurologist, emphasized that the “super mover” profile illustrates good vascular health and regular exercise—both critical for healthy aging. He pointed out that such findings can guide doctors in recommending physically engaging activities as beneficial not just for heart health or migraines, but for cognitive resilience, too.
But does this mean older adults should ramp up their daily walking for brain health benefits?
Dr. Verghese warns that the study doesn’t confirm a cause-and-effect relationship. He suggests that faster walking may serve as a marker of brain health while also potentially helping to maintain it.
Walking speed offers insights into the overall health of various organ systems, including the brain, muscles, and heart. Moreover, regular physical activity may bolster brain health through better cardiovascular fitness and reduced inflammation.
For older adults aiming to enhance their walking speed, Verghese advises a gradual approach. “Maintaining mobility is crucial for healthy aging,” he noted. While the research doesn’t prove that simply walking faster prevents cognitive decline, those interested can focus on safely improving their walking speed over time, preferably under medical guidance if health issues are a concern.
