Open AccessFeasibility of dual‐task gait to estimate Alzheimer's related cognitive decline in Down syndrome
Author(s) -
Van Pelt Kathryn L.,
Koehl Lisa,
CabanHolt Allison,
AndersonMooney Amelia,
Head Elizabeth,
Schmitt Frederick A.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia: diagnosis, assessment and disease monitoring
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.497
H-Index - 37
ISSN - 2352-8729
DOI - 10.1002/dad2.12092
Subject(s) - dementia , physical medicine and rehabilitation , gait , neuropathology , cognition , psychology , cognitive decline , disease , medicine , physical therapy , neuroscience
Abstract Introduction The striatum and frontal lobes have been shown to have early Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology and are critical for motor and cognitive function. We hypothesized gait would be associated with early‐stage dementia in Down syndrome (DS), a cohort at risk for AD. Methods Twenty‐eight participants with DS were enrolled in the study. Participants walked at their self‐selected pace and while completing a dual task (counting, obstacle, or counting+obstacle). Results All participants were able to complete the self‐paced condition and 78.57–96.42% completed the dual‐task conditions. There was a trend for greater dual‐task effects on gait velocity based on dementia diagnosis. Gait velocity had stronger associations with clinical dementia assessments than age or diagnosis. Discussion A dual‐task gait paradigm is feasible to conduct with adults with DS and is associated with age and cognitive impairment. Dual‐task gait may serve as an indicator of early stage dementia in DS.