A faster walking pace in older adults may do more than improve fitness—it could also signal a healthier brain and a significantly lower risk of cognitive decline, according to a new study published in the journal Neurology.

Researchers found that adults aged 80 years and above who naturally walked faster were about 50% less likely to develop cognitive impairment than those with a slower walking pace. The findings suggest that walking speed could serve as a simple, low-cost indicator of brain health in older people.

The study analysed data from three large ageing studies—the Health and Retirement Study International Network of Studies (HRS-INS), the LonGenity Study, and the RUSH Memory Aging Project. Participants were classified as either "super movers," who had a faster natural walking speed, or "non-super movers."

Scientists compared their walking speed with brain scans, cognitive test results and, in some cases, postmortem assessments of dementia-related brain changes.

The results showed that older adults who walked faster not only had better cognitive performance but also healthier brain structure. Interestingly, they maintained better thinking and memory abilities despite having similar levels of dementia-related brain pathology as slower walkers.

Lead author Dr. Joe Verghese, Professor and Chair of Neurology at the Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, said the findings strengthen the growing evidence that mobility and brain health are closely connected.

"Our study found that older adults aged 80 years and above with faster walking speeds had about half the risk of developing cognitive impairment compared to their peers. Although the study does not prove cause and effect, it suggests that maintaining mobility may reflect greater resilience of the ageing brain," he said.

Walking is a surprisingly complex activity that requires the brain to coordinate balance, vision, muscle strength, movement planning and sensory feedback simultaneously. Because several body systems work together during walking, even subtle changes in gait may appear before noticeable memory problems develop.

Researchers believe this makes walking speed a useful early marker of neurological health. Unlike expensive brain scans or specialised cognitive tests, measuring walking speed is quick, inexpensive and can easily be performed during routine health check-ups.

However, the researchers cautioned that the study was observational and does not prove that intentionally walking faster can prevent dementia. Instead, a slower walking pace may simply reflect underlying changes in the brain that are already taking place.

Dr. Verghese said older adults or clinicians who notice a gradual slowing of walking speed—especially when accompanied by memory concerns—should consider a more comprehensive medical evaluation.

The researchers also stressed that walking speed should be interpreted alongside other health conditions that can affect mobility, including arthritis, heart disease and overall physical fitness.

Experts continue to recommend regular physical activity, including aerobic exercise and strength training, to support both brain and physical health. Managing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, maintaining social connections, getting adequate sleep and following a healthy diet may also help preserve cognitive function as people age.

While further research is needed to determine whether improving walking speed can directly reduce the risk of dementia, the study adds to growing evidence that a person's usual walking pace may offer valuable clues about brain health and healthy ageing.