New research suggests walking speed can be used as a marker for aging brains and bodies.

Researchers analysed the brains of 45 year old study participants walking at three different speeds on a treadmill.

MRI exams showed slower walkers tended to have brains with lower total volume, lower average thickness, less surface area and a higher frequency of disease related to the small blood vessels.

In short, their brains appeared somewhat older.

Researchers hope the study will encourage the medical community to rethink gait as not only a movement concern, but as a measure of health.

(ABC)