A slow walking speed may be indicative of cognitive decline, according to new research.
For the study, researchers studied 128 elderly adults who had displayed evidence of impaired memory. Nearly half (48%) of patients displayed a buildup of beta amyloid proteins in their brain, a common hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers compared the walking speed of the adults with the presence of the beta protein to the walking speed of elderly participants without the protein.
After looking at the results, researchers uncovered:
- The average walking speed of patients without the protein was 3.48 feet per second.
- Although they didn’t specific the exact speed, researchers noted that the walking speed of individuals with the protein was significantly slower.
Lead researcher Dr Natalia del Campo, from Toulouse University Hospital in France, said the buildup of this protein may disrupt normal walking function in older adults. She added that walking tempo may help medical experts identify potential cases of cognitive decline.
“It’s possible that having subtle walking disturbances in addition to memory concerns may signal Alzheimer’s disease, even before people show any clinical symptoms.”
Dr. Louise Walker, a research officer at the Alzheimer’s Society, said memory issues are one of the most easily recognized symptoms of cognitive decline, but walking speed adds another identifiable marker to the equation. She hopes more research is needed to see exactly how the beta protein buildup and walking speed are linked.
“Memory problems are the most recognizable symptom of Alzheimer’s disease but the condition can also affect people in many other ways, such as problems with navigation or concentration. Research has already shown that people with Alzheimer’s disease may have difficulties with walking – but it is unclear if this is due to the condition itself or other factors, especially those associated with ageing,” said Walker. “More long-term research is needed to determine whether a build-up of the protein amyloid, which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, directly leads to slower walking and whether this could form a suitable part of a clinician’s diagnostic process.”
