Accordingly, Nordic-style walking not only significantly improves fitness and helps lose weight, but can also slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, according to the Mirror .

Research from the University of Molise (Italy) asked 30 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease to apply treatments that have long been used to reduce symptoms of the disease.

These include physical therapy and music therapy - which are said to help combat memory loss.

Half the group did Nordic walking twice a week for 6 months.

The results showed that the walkers scored higher on memory, concentration and brain processing speed, according to Mirror.

They also performed better on tests of spatial object manipulation and the ability to do mental math or tie shoelaces.

If larger studies confirm these results, this could be a safe and useful strategy for slowing cognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer's disease patients, the study authors reported.

This disease is the most common cause of dementia. It can cause anxiety, confusion, and short-term memory loss.

What is Nordic walking?

Nordic walking is walking using 2 poles to create momentum to move forward faster, providing a more comprehensive training effect than normal walking.

Studies show that Nordic walking uses 80 - 90% of the body's total muscles, compared to only 40% when walking normally.

Here is how to walk Nordic style:

1. The stick must be in proportion to the height of the body. Hold the stick vertically with both hands and keep the arms close to the sides of the body, elbows forming a 90 degree angle. Swing one arm and step with the other foot as if walking normally, but swing the arms straight.

2. When stepping, land on the heel, then roll into the sole of the foot, gently pushing the toes out. When the front foot touches the ground, the stick also simultaneously touches the ground between the front and back feet.

3. Take long strides, leaning slightly forward

4. Relax your shoulders and relax

5. Increase your speed to burn more calories by increasing the force from your toes. Then increase your arm swing speed for more power, according to Mirror .