In a new study, researchers have found a new way to detect early signs of cognitive decline in older adults by analyzing how they walk.
Traditionally, doctors have focused on memory and cognitive tests to spot potential problems, but this study suggests that the way a person walks could also offer important clues, especially when it comes to walking along a curved path.
The research was conducted by a team from the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University.
They discovered that walking in a straight line, which is simpler and requires less cognitive effort, might not reveal subtle impairments in gait that are indicative of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
MCI is a condition that represents an early stage of cognitive decline, putting individuals at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
To conduct their study, the researchers used a depth camera capable of tracking 25 different joints in the body. This technology allowed them to record and analyze the gait of participants as they walked both straight and curved paths.
By examining 50 different gait markers, such as the speed and cadence of steps, as well as more detailed aspects of foot movement during various phases of the gait cycle, the team was able to compare the performance of healthy older adults with those showing signs of MCI.
The findings, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Reports, were striking. When walking along a curved path, participants with MCI showed more pronounced differences in their gait compared to healthy individuals.
These differences were not just in the overall speed or length of steps but also in the variability and symmetry of steps and the time needed to support the body while changing direction.
This suggests that curved walking is more demanding and can highlight cognitive impairments that straight walking might miss.
Interestingly, the study also found that the two groups of participants did not significantly differ in age or gender, but those with MCI tended to have a higher body mass index, fewer years of education, and higher scores on the Geriatric Depression Scale.
This research is significant because it points to a simple, non-invasive, and low-cost way to detect early signs of cognitive decline.
Currently, diagnosing conditions like Alzheimer’s disease relies on a combination of history-taking, physical exams, cognitive tests, and sometimes more costly procedures like blood tests or brain imaging.
A gait analysis using a depth camera could offer a more accessible alternative that healthcare providers could easily implement.
The study’s lead authors believe that incorporating curved path walking into gait analysis could enhance early diagnosis and management of cognitive decline, potentially complementing traditional cognitive assessments.
This approach could lead to better patient care and intervention strategies, offering hope for early detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about low choline intake linked to higher dementia risk, and how eating nuts can affect your cognitive ability.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline, and results showing higher magnesium intake could help benefit brain health.
The research findings can be found in Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Reports.
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