Walking ‘prevents memory problems’

Walking not only helps people to achieve their weight loss goals, but prevents them from experiencing memory problems later in life, a study has suggested.

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh found that walking at least six miles per week provides protection when it comes to brain size and this, in turn, preserves memory in old age.

Some 299 people were involved in the study and, 13 years later, 116 of the participants had developed cognitive impairment or dementia.

Those who walked the most cut their risk of developing memory problems in half.

"Our results should encourage well-designed trials of physical exercise in older adults as a promising approach for preventing dementia and Alzheimer's disease," said the study's author Dr Kirk Erickson.

Back in August, professor Jim Horne, the director of the Sleep Research Centre at Loughborough University, explained to the Daily Telegraph that going for a walk in the evening can also benefit people who have trouble getting to sleep.

How far do you walk in an average week?