Abstract
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the correlations between gait regularity, cognitive functions including cognitive domains, and the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in community-dwelling older people. This study included 463 older adults (63.4% women, mean age: 74.1), and their step and stride regularity along the three-axis components was estimated from trunk acceleration, which was measured by inertial measurement units during a comfortable gait. Four aspects of cognitive function were assessed using a tablet computer: attention, executive function, processing speed, and memory, and participants were classified into those with or without MCI. The vertical component of stride and step regularity was associated with attention and executive function (r = −0.176–−0.109, p ≤ 0.019), and processing speed (r = 0.152, p < 0.001), after it was adjusted for age and gait speed. The low vertical component of step regularity was related to the MCI after it was adjusted for covariates (OR 0.019; p = 0.016). The results revealed that cognitive function could affect gait regularity, and the vertical component of gait regularity, as measured by a wearable sensor, could play an important role in investigating cognitive decline in older people.
Highlights
Gait and cognition are known to be closely correlated [1], and gait impairment is a risk factor for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia [2,3,4]
Previous studies show that slow gait and high gait variability occurs in older people with MCI [1,7,8,9], and that slow gait with MCI can lead to adverse events such as falls and disability [8]
The results showed that the MCI group exhibited a decreased gait regularity, a reduction in all cognitive domains, and a lower VT component of stride and step regularity, all of which correlated to the decrease in several cognitive domains
Summary
Gait and cognition are known to be closely correlated [1], and gait impairment is a risk factor for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia [2,3,4]. MCI is a transitional state of cognitive loss, or results in lower cognitive performance, attention, executive function, processing speed, and memory domain, than that of which is expected for a given age group or educational level, but does not yet fulfill the clinical criteria for probable Alzheimer’s disease [5]. MCI is characterized by a heterogeneous decline in one or more cognitive domains [6]. MCI is a precious window of opportunity for the prevention of dementia. It seems important to conduct gait assessment in older people when considering the early stages of cognitive decline such as MCI, in order to maintain gait and cognitive function
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
