Just 3,000 steps a day may slow Alzheimer's, study finds

A study tracking nearly 300 older adults with early Alzheimer's signs for 9–11 years found that physical activity reduced accumulation of misfolded tau protein, not amyloid plaques. Dementia signs fell by almost half in more active participants, with benefits starting at 3,000 steps and plateauing at 5,000–7,500 steps daily.

• Activity cut tau protein buildup, not amyloid plaques
• Benefits appeared at 3,000 steps, about 30 minutes of walking
• Optimal range was 5,000–7,500 steps per day, then plateaued
• Dementia signs were nearly halved in more active participants