Researchers in London may be on the way to helping health care professionals predict the onset of dementia in patients.
A new study from researchers at Western University and Lawson Health Research Institute involved the assessment of 150 seniors with mild cognitive impairment, which is considered a pre-dementia syndrome. The subjects walked while performing tasks like counting backwards or naming animals. Those who slowed down more than 20% while performing the task were found to be at a higher risk of progressing to dementia.
The study, called the "Gait and Brain Study, was led by Dr. Manuel Montero-Odasso, a Lawson scientist, geriatrician at St. Joseph’s Health Care London, and associate professor in the Division of Geriatric Medicine at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.
“While walking has long been considered an automatic motor task, emerging evidence suggests cognitive function plays a key role in the control of walking, avoidance of obstacles and maintenance of navigation,” said Dr. Montero-Odasso. “We believe that gait, as a complex brain-motor task, provides a golden window of opportunity to see brain function.”
Dr. Montero-Odasso says the study results reveal what he calls a "motor signature of cognitive impairment that can be used to predict dementia."
“It is conceivable that we will be able to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias before people even have significant memory loss. Our hope is to combine these methods with promising new medications to slow or halt the progression of MCI to dementia,” he added.
The study can be read here.