Slow Walking Speed May Signal Onset of Alzheimer’s

the Psychiatry Advisor take:

The gait of an older adult may be an indicator of whether or not they develop Alzheimer’s disease later on.

Natalia del Campo, PhD, of Gerontopole and the Center of Excellence in Neurodegeneration of Toulouse, France, and colleagues examined 128 people, average age of 76 years old, without dementia but considered at high risk for it due to memory problems. Positron emission tomography scans were conducted on their brains, and 48% of participants had level of beta-amyloid at levels high enough to be associated with dementia.

Researchers also tested the subjects’ thinking and memory skills, as well as their ability to complete everyday tasks. Mild cognitive impairment was found in 46% of them.

The participants’ walking speed was also measured. There was a link between slow walking and speed and amyloid levels in certain areas of the brain, including one responsible for motor functions, the researchers reported in the journal Neurology.

After comparing the speed people walked with and without accounting for amyloid amounts, the researchers found up to 9% of the difference were the result of amyloid levels. However, the connection between amyloid and walking speed was not altered when accounting for age, education, or extent of memory problems.

“It’s possible that having subtle walking disturbances in addition to memory concerns may signal Alzheimer's disease, even before people show any clinical symptoms,” del Campo said in a statement.