a couple of people that are walking across a bridge

Two Studies Challenge the 10,000-Step Walking Goal

healthOct 23, 2026·322 words·3 min read

The popular target of 10,000 steps a day may not be necessary to benefit the brain, according to two studies reported by HuffPost and the New York Post. The first, a 2025 study by Harvard University researchers published in the journal Nature Medicine, followed about 300 adults aged 50 to 90 for up to 14 years. All of them showed early signs of Alzheimer's disease in their brains but had no memory problems affecting daily life.

The 10,000-step goal started as a marketing idea about 60 years ago, not as advice from scientists. A newer study from Baylor College of Medicine used Fitbit data from 3,093 people. People who walked about 8,900 or 14,200 steps a day did better on tests of attention and ignoring distractions than people who walked about 5,100 steps. Every extra 1,000 steps was linked to better scores.

Both studies have limits. Most people in them were white and well educated, so the results may not be true for everyone. The Baylor study's author, Dr. Olaoluwa Okusaga, said the study shows a link, not proof that walking makes people think better. Still, doctors say exercise, healthy food and good sleep can help lower the risk of dementia.

Read at other levels

A1Beginner99w A2Elementary149w B1Intermediate219w B2Upper-Intermediate297wPro

C1Advanced322w(current · Pro)