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Slowing gait speed precedes cognitive decline by several years
Author(s) -
Skillbäck Tobias,
Blennow Kaj,
Zetterberg Henrik,
Skoog Johan,
Rydén Lina,
Wetterberg Hanna,
Guo Xinxin,
Sacuiu Simona,
Mielke Michelle M.,
Zettergren Anna,
Skoog Ingmar,
Kern Silke
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1002/alz.12537
Subject(s) - gait , dementia , cognitive decline , preferred walking speed , cognition , physical medicine and rehabilitation , clinical dementia rating , medicine , pathological , cohort , longitudinal study , physical therapy , psychology , disease , pathology , psychiatry
In this longitudinal study, we aimed to examine if slowing gait speed preceded cognitive decline and correlated with brain amyloidosis. Methods The sample (n = 287) was derived from the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies, with follow‐ups between 2000 and 2015. Gait speed was measured by indoor walk, and cognition using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score. All participants had CDR = 0 at baseline. Some participants had data on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid beta (Aβ) 1‐42 concentrations at the 2009 examination. Results Gait speed for participants who worsened in CDR score during follow‐up was slower at most examinations. Baseline gait speed could significantly predict CDR change from baseline to follow‐up. Subjects with pathological CSF Aβ 1‐ 42 concentrations at the 2009 visit had lost more gait speed compared to previous examinations. Discussion Our results indicate that gait speed decline precedes cognitive decline, is linked to Alzheimer's pathology, and might be used for early detection of increased risk for dementia development.