Step aside, Batman.
A fresh group of “superhumans” has emerged — and they’re all over 80.
A study published in Neurology has identified a unique subset of older adults known as “super movers,” who exhibit a remarkable trait: a significantly reduced risk of cognitive decline, even in the face of Alzheimer-related changes typically seen in their peers.
Researchers describe this group as having a “novel exceptional aging phenotype”—a biological profile that may provide valuable insights into how some individuals retain brain health despite aging effects.
The secret to their advantage? A simple measurement: walking speed.
Only about 6 to 10% of older adults qualify as super movers, walking at a pace comparable to that of someone 30 years their junior.
Previous studies have shown that these individuals usually experience fewer chronic illnesses, maintain healthier lifestyles, and report lower levels of depression, alongside a younger biological age when compared to their peers.
However, the recent study delved deeper, exploring whether this physical edge correlates with enhanced cognitive health.
Researchers studied nearly 4,000 adults from the Health and Retirement Study over several years, tracking whether super movers experienced less cognitive decline.
The findings were notable: Super movers demonstrated superior cognitive function compared to others of similar age and gender. Additionally, there were fewer new diagnoses of Alzheimer’s or dementia within this group, despite sharing similar brain changes associated with dementia.
This result intrigued lead author Dr. Joe Verghese, MD, Chair and Professor of Neurology at Stony Brook University. He commented, “This indicates they might have resilience mechanisms that help them maintain cognitive function in the presence of age-related brain changes. Understanding these resilience factors could lead to new strategies for promoting healthy brain aging.”
While further research is essential, he highlighted one key insight: “The most significant takeaway is the profound connection between mobility and brain health.”
Dr. Alexander Mauskop, MD, founder of the NY Headache Center and a professor at SUNY Downstate, noted in a blog post that the study has broader implications for aging, gait, headaches, and migraines.
The “super mover” profile likely reflects years of better vascular health, consistent exercise, and other protective lifestyle choices—many of which are recommended for managing migraines and preventing strokes.
Mauskop emphasized that these findings provide healthcare professionals with another perspective on these lifestyle recommendations.
“Regular walking, maintaining strength and balance, and safeguarding gait speed as one ages can be promoted not just for cardiovascular health and migraine prevention, but also as a strategy for enhancing cognitive resilience,” he observed.
But should older individuals aim to increase their daily steps to safeguard brain health?
Verghese warned that while the study offers valuable insights, it does not definitively prove cause and effect. He posits that faster walking might indicate a healthier brain and can also contribute to its preservation.
“Walking speed reflects the integrated health of various organ systems, including the brain, muscles, heart, metabolism, and nervous system,” he explained.
“Simultaneously, regular physical activity may help sustain brain health by enhancing cardiovascular fitness, reducing inflammation, and utilizing other biological mechanisms.”
For older adults interested in boosting their walking speed safely, Verghese suggests beginning slowly.
“The practical takeaway is that preserving mobility is crucial for healthy aging,” he stated. “While our research does not establish that simply walking faster prevents cognitive decline, individuals can safely enhance their walking speed through proper training, ideally progressing gradually and consulting healthcare professionals if they have significant health issues.”
