Five minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity like brisk walking significantly boosts cognitive function in older adults, particularly processing speed and executive function.
A 2025 study of 585 adults ages 65-80 found moving from 1 minute to 6 minutes of daily brisk activity yielded the largest cognitive improvements.
Separate fMRI research on 36 adults showed a 30-minute walk preserved brain activity in attention regions, while sitting led to decreased activation.
Moderate activity increases heart rate and blood flow to the brain, supporting neural systems involved in attention and mental flexibility.
Effects were most pronounced in previously sedentary individuals, suggesting even small increases in movement produce measurable cognitive gains.
The brain-boosting power of a five-minute walk
Read Full Article: https://www.naturalnews.com/2026-09-07-study-5-minutes-brisk-walking-sharpen-brain.html
