India, July 29 -- If you've been looking for a reason to lace up your shoes and hit the pavement, a recent long-term study may be the motivation you need. Walking daily has been linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline, especially for those with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease.

The findings are based on a comprehensive study published in the journal JAMA and presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference, which tracked nearly 3,000 participants aged 70 to 79 over the years. Researchers noted their daily walking habits and found that maintaining or increasing these habits led to improved processing speed and executive function, key aspects of cognitive health.

Dr Cindy Barha, the study's lead autho...