If you’re strolling sagaciously with the speed of a sloth, listen up! According to new research, if your amble to the mailbox is taking more time, it might be time to talk to your doc about your brainy abilities. A study of nearly 17,000 older adults discovered that those whose pace dipped by 5% or more each year showed an elevated risk for dementia. It’s like your walk is a canary in a coal mine, chirping an early warning sign about your cognitive health. So, don’t let your leisurely stroll fool you — it could be a red flag! While this study doesn’t provide concrete evidence of causation, it does suggest that paying attention to changes in walking speed could be a potential indicator of future cognitive decline. So keep an eye on the clock and boogie on down to your healthcare provider if you notice a sluggish saunter. Together, you can explore further assessments or interventions that may help preserve brain function.
