Gait Disturbances May Indicate Development of Cognitive Impairment

Variable stride, slowing of pace, and other gait disturbances may indicate the development of cognitive impairment, researchers at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference reported, noting a strong relationship between aspects of gait and cognitive function. 

Stephanie Bridenbaugh, MD, of the Basel Mobility Center in Basel, Switzerland, and colleagues explored the relationship between gait impairment and memory disorders and dementia in a study of 1153 participants divided into groups based on cognitive diagnoses – cognitively healthy, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s dementia. 

The participants’ gait were measured using a 10-meter electronic walkway, with each performing a “normal” walk and 2 “duel tasks”, including walking while counting backwards and walking while naming animals. 

Gait, they found, became slower at each stage of cognitive decline. "Those with Alzheimer's dementia walked slower than those with [mild cognitive impairment], who in turn walked slower than those who were cognitively healthy," said Bridenbaugh.

"Mobility impairments are often associated with dementia, and some gait changes may even appear before cognitive decline can be detected by traditional testing methods. Gait analysis can simply, quickly and objectively measure walking. When problems emerge, this may provide early detection of fall risk and the earliest stages of cognitive impairment in older adults," Bridenbaugh concluded. "A gait analysis will not replace a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment to diagnose a patient's cognitive status. Gait analysis, however, may prove to be an important tool to aid diagnosis, and record treatment effects or disease progression."

-Michael Potts