Dementia might begin in your legs, not your brain: AIIMS neurosurgeon reveals how to tell if something’s wrong

It might sound strange, but doctors and scientists are now saying your walking speed could be one of the first signs that something’s wrong with your brain.

According to a Times of India (TOI) report, Dr Arun L Naik, a neurosurgeon at AIIMS New Delhi, believes that dementia may start in the legs, not the mind.

Why legs matter more than we thought

A 2022 study, as cited by TOI, revealed that older adults who walked slower had smaller brain volume and were more likely to show signs of cognitive decline. In simple words, slow legs may mean a slow brain.


Walking isn’t just about moving from place to place. Every step involves your brain working closely with your legs. Your frontal lobe plans the movement, your cerebellum keeps you balanced, and your spinal cord carries the signals. Even your feet send signals back to your brain.

So, if your walk starts changing, becomes slower, uneven, or unsteady, your brain might be sending an early warning.

It's all about blood flow

Walking does more than move your legs, it pumps fresh, oxygen-rich blood to your brain. This helps clear out harmful toxins and keeps the brain healthy. But when you sit too long and don’t move much, blood flow drops, brain fog increases, and over time, your brain may actually shrink.

That’s why regular movement, even just walking around the house, keeps both your body and brain active.

Walking releases the brain’s growth booster

Another powerful reason to keep walking? It boosts BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), a natural chemical that helps brain cells grow, survive, and connect better.

In short, BDNF is like a fertiliser for your brain. The more you walk, the more of it you release, and that helps your memory and mental sharpness as you age.

Strong legs, strong mind

As Dr Naik points out, muscle strength in your legs is now seen as a secret sign of brain health. Weak legs not only affect your ability to move or stay balanced but may also link to memory issues.

To keep your legs strong, do simple resistance exercises, balance workouts, or even just stand up more often. You don’t need to hit the gym. A short walk or light stretching daily can do wonders.

Walk with your brain in mind

Lastly, there’s a smart way to walk. Doctors suggest “dual-task walking”, walking while talking, counting backwards, or solving a small puzzle. It’s a way to train your brain and body together, and might help delay memory issues.

Your legs and your brain are more connected than you think. So next time you go for a walk, know that it’s not just good for your heart, it might just protect your memory too.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.