Health · 18 July 2026

Slow walking speed could signal higher risks of heart disease and dementia

Experts now suggest walking speed should be a key health indicator alongside blood pressure or heart rate. Slower speeds link to increased risks of dementia, heart disease and death, even years before other symptoms appear. You can test your speed with a simple five-metre walk, aiming for 1.0 metre per second or faster.

By BriefTea Editorial · 18 July 2026 at 18:12

Reported by The Independent · How we write briefs

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How do doctors use indicators? What is dementia? What is heart disease? Why is walking speed important?

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