Abstract
BackgroundCognition and mobility in older adults are closely associated and they decline together with aging. Studies evaluating associations between cognitive factors and gait performance in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) are scarce. In this study, our aim was to determine whether specific cognitive factors have a more identifiable effect on gait velocity during dual-tasking in people with MCI.MethodsFifty-five participants, mean age 77.7 (SD = 5.9), 45% women, with MCI were evaluated for global cognition, working memory, executive function, and attention. Gait Velocity (GV) was measured under a single-task condition (single GV) and under two dual-task conditions: 1) while counting backwards (counting GV), 2) while naming animals (verbal GV). Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to examine associations with an alpha-level of 0.05.ResultsParticipants experienced a reduction in GV while engaging in dual-task challenges (p < 0.005). Low executive function and working memory performances were associated with slow single GV (p = 0.038), slow counting GV (p = 0.017), and slow verbal GV (p = 0.031). After adjustments, working memory was the only cognitive factor which remained significantly associated with a slow GV.ConclusionIn older adults with MCI, low working memory performance was associated with slow GV. Dual-task conditions showed the strongest associations with gait slowing. Our findings suggest that cortical control of gait is associated with decline in working memory in people with MCI.
Highlights
Cognition and mobility in older adults are closely associated and they decline together with aging
Participants' mean scores on global cognition tests were consistent with the diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) since a pattern of low Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score (< 26) with normal Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score (> 26) was found in our sample [33]
We found a significant correlation between verbal gait velocity (GV) and counting GV, suggesting that the effect of dual-task on GV was independent of the type of task demand selected for this study
Summary
Cognition and mobility in older adults are closely associated and they decline together with aging. Studies evaluating associations between cognitive factors and gait performance in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) are scarce. The prevalence of gait disorders increases with age, with estimates of up to 20% in older people residing in the community [7]. Gait slowing and cognitive impairment usually coexist in the same individual and the interaction between cognitive impairment and motor changes in older adults has been established [10,11,12]. This interrelationship has been attributed to specific brain networks selectively affected by diseases that accompany, but are not necessarily caused by, ageing [13]
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