Hidden Signals

Scientists have identified a new early warning sign for dementia: changes in gait speed and stride length during dual-tasking, meaning when performing a cognitive task simultaneously with walking. The study, published in *Neurology*, revealed that subtle alterations in how someone walks while talking or counting backwards can be a significant predictor of future cognitive decline. Researchers followed nearly 5,000 adults with an average age of 72 over several years. Participants underwent regular gait analysis, both while walking normally and while performing a cognitive task. The study found that individuals who showed a marked decline in gait speed and stride length during dual-tasking had a significantly higher risk of developing dementia compared to those with stable gait. Specifically, a 10% or greater slowing of gait speed during dual-tasking was associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The researchers suggest that this "gait slowing" is a sensitive indicator of early cognitive impairment, potentially preceding more noticeable symptoms like memory loss. This discovery highlights the intricate connection between motor and cognitive functions in the brain. The findings suggest that simple gait assessments, particularly during dual-tasking, could be incorporated into routine health checks to identify individuals at higher risk of dementia and allow for earlier intervention and management strategies. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop targeted interventions. find the original article here: https://www.yahoo.com/news/scientists-just-uncovered-dementia-warning-142100933.html