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An expert has announced a surprisingly low number of steps that can lower dementia risk. Many people often find themselves trying to aim for around 10,000 steps a day. But a scientists

believe the number you need could be even fewer. They also say that walking with more intensity can help reduce the risk of developing dementia. The findings were released in the J AMA

Network journal. It led to Dr Courtney Conley, a physician specialising in foot and gait mechanics, saying people should be aiming for 9,800 steps a day to lower their dementia risk.

Speaking on the Diary of a CEO podcast, she said: "When you look at step counts, if that's going to be our baseline, 9,800 steps per day can reduce the risks of dementia. But what

I think is the cool part of that is that 3,800 steps, you get 50 per cent of the maximal benefit. "So, if you were to, let's call it 4,000, shoot for 4,000 steps then you're

going to get a 50 percent benefit. Some of my favourite research on looking at that population with walking is relationship walking. "There's really cool studies looking at walking

in groups for the elderly population and how that has a social connection and improves their emotional health and combats loneliness and isolation and that's the beauty of a

walk." According to a 2022 study, walking 4,400 steps is the point at which the risk of developing dementia begins to decrease, with the study stating: "Both purposeful steps and

peak 30-minute cadence (ie, an indicator of overall best natural effort in a free-living environment) were associated with lower risks of dementia." The Alzheimer's Society

highlights a lack of physical activity as a primary risk factor for dementia, noting that studies have demonstrated that exercise in middle-aged or older adults improves cognitive function

and reduces dementia rates. The charity recommends engaging in 20-30 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, cleaning, or gardening, to increase heart rate. WHAT DOES THE NHS SAY

ABOUT EXERCISE AND DEMENTIA? The NHS says a lack of physical exercise can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. While becoming overweight and having type 2 diabetes can lead to a

higher risk of developing dementia. Older adults who do not exercise are also more likely to have problems with their memory or thinking. The NHS suggests at least 150 minutes of

moderate-intensity physical activity each week. The health service suggests activities such as brisk walking, cycling or dancing. It also recommends activities such as strengthening

exercises twice a week. This, the NHS reports, could also include activities such as gardening or yoga. It says it is important to get up and move around regularly. This can include taking

the stairs, walking up escalators and standing up while taking phone calls. HOW TO GET AN NHS CHECK The NHS offers free check-ups to people aged between 40 and 74. These can look for other

issues like coronary heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. If you are over 65 then your doctor should tell you what to look out for regarding dementia. If you have not been invited

for your health check-up, the NHS says to contact your GP.