Scientists from Canada and the UK studied the walking patterns of older adults in order to see whether they could use that information to help in more precisely diagnosing several types of cognitive decline and uncovered some interesting findings.

The results were published in Alzheimer's Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. This article explains their study.

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It has been known for a long time that cognitive difficulties such as memory problems and having trouble performing complex tasks can be indicators of dementia. Now the research team assessed the walking patterns and brain function of 500 participants enrolled in clinical trials to see whether motor performance, particularly the way you walk, can also help diagnose different types of neurodegenerative conditions.

This research analyzed gait impairments across the cognitive spectrum, including people with Parkinson's Disease, Subjective Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, as well as a cognitively healthy control group.

The scientists classified 4 independent motion patterns: speed, rhythm, posture control, and variability (unevenness). High gait variability was the only pattern associated with lower cognitive performance; it identified Alzheimer's disease with a 70% efficiency. Gait variability indicates the stride-to-stride variations in timing and range that occur while we walk.

According to Dr. Frederico Perruccini-Faria (first author of the paper), these results provide the first clear evidence confirming that gait variability is a significant marker for processes occurring in brain regions linked to cognitive impairment and motor control. The team has confirmed that high gait variability as a marker of this cognitive-cortical dysfunction can reliably identify Alzheimer's disease compared to other neurodegenerative disorders.

When cognitive-cortical dysfunction is happening, the person's capacity to execute multiple things simultaneously is affected. As an example, one could think of having a brief conversation with some while preparing dinner at the same time.

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All in all, this new indicator for cognitive decline and various types of related conditions may be useful in making assessment more accurate. The information could be used in clinical tests; it might, for example, be possible to have patients utilize wearable technology. Data generated by this tech could then be used to support a more accurate diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis is vital for patients to get the correct treatment or help.

If you are interested in the study's specific details, be sure to check out the paper listed below. We will keep you updated about further developments in the world of cognitive health science.

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