Abstract
We aimed to detect brain abnormalities during cognitive and motor tasks in older individuals with pre-frailty, as this could prevent dementia. Sixty elderly participants (mean age: 76.3 years; 27 healthy and 33 with pre-frailty) were included, and their motor function, cognitive function, and dual-task abilities (gait with calculation and while carrying a ball) were evaluated. Total hemoglobin (t-Hb) was measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during tasks and resting periods. The pre-frailty group had a slightly lower gait speed than the healthy group, but there was no significant difference in cognitive function. In the pre-frailty group, the t-Hb values during the normal gait and cognitive tasks were higher than the resting value in the right prefrontal cortex, while in the healthy group, only the word frequency task (WFT) was higher. Furthermore, in the WFT, the t-Hb values were significantly lower in the pre-frailty group than in the healthy group. The results showed that pre-frail subjects had lower brain activation during the WFT in the right prefrontal cortex and excessive activity during walking, even without a noticeable cognitive decline. The differences in cerebral blood flow under the pre-frailty conditions may be a clue to detecting cognitive decline earlier.
Highlights
IntroductionThere were 9.9 million new cases of dementia in 2015, with one new case every 3 s
Around the world, there were 9.9 million new cases of dementia in 2015, with one new case every 3 s
The two-step value, normal gait speed (NGS), maximum gait speed (MGS), and gait speed calculations were found to be significantly lower in the pre-frailty group than in the healthy group
Summary
There were 9.9 million new cases of dementia in 2015, with one new case every 3 s. Dementia has a significant economic impact and affects many social issues, making prevention important [1]. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered to be a preclinical stage of dementia. Patients with MCI are more prone to dementia than individuals with normal cognitive function. Even MCI can improve to normal cognitive function with appropriate intervention [2]. The criteria for MCI proposed by Petersen et al [3] includes a person or a family member complaining of cognitive decline and objective impairment of one or more cognitive functions. Activities of daily living are normal and not characteristic of dementia. MCI is difficult to detect early because, as patients do not have a significant cognitive decline, they can continue to perform normal daily activities
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
