Scientists employ various methodologies to identify early cognitive decline, which can serve as an indicator of dementia. Previous studies have indicated that analyzing a person’s gait can be one method to assess early mental deterioration. In a recent study, researchers discovered that having individuals walk along a curved path, rather than in a straight line, might be more effective in detecting mild cognitive impairment due to the increased demand for coordination and motor skills involved in the task.
Behnaz Ghoraani, PhD, the senior author of the study and an associate professor in the department of electrical engineering and computer science at Florida Atlantic University College in Boca Raton, explains, “By demonstrating the effectiveness of curve walking as a diagnostic tool, our research proposes a noninvasive, cost-efficient method that could be easily integrated into clinical practice.” She adds, “Its primary advantage lies in complementing existing cognitive assessments, providing a practical approach that could facilitate earlier diagnosis and intervention for mild cognitive impairment.”
Early Detection Can Lead to Better Outcomes
According to Mayo Clinic, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) serves as a transitional period between typical age-related memory alterations and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. While many individuals with MCI eventually progress to Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, not all do.
Early intervention is crucial as it can potentially slow down the advancement towards dementia and enhance the quality of life for affected individuals. The National Institute on Aging highlights that most FDA-approved medications for dementia are most effective when the condition is identified in its early stages.
A More Refined Approach to Assessing Walking Difficulties
This study delved into the potential of walking along a curved trajectory, contrasting with walking in a straight line, to offer a more nuanced assessment of cognitive function, given its requirement for intricate coordination, including directional changes and balance adjustments.
In this analysis, 30 healthy individuals and 25 individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) underwent single-task walking assessments on both straight and oval paths. The average age of the participants was approximately 69 years.
Dr. Ghoraani and her team scrutinized 50 gait parameters for each test across the two groups. They noted that older adults with MCI displayed diminished walking performance compared to their healthy counterparts, with the differences in gait parameters more pronounced during curved path walking than straight walking.
Overall, 31 out of 50 gait parameters (62 percent) exhibited greater disparity for the MCI group compared to healthy older adults when transitioning from straight to curved walking tests, with 13 markers showing significant distinctions between the study groups.
The results underscored that individuals with MCI demonstrated notably reduced step length and speed during curved path walking. Furthermore, the MCI group exhibited diminished symmetry and consistency in both step and stride lengths during curved walking, alongside an increased need for prolonged double support time, particularly during directional changes, leading to decreased step velocity.
“Our study revealed that curved walking could unveil more discernible disparities in gait parameters between healthy controls and individuals with MCI than straight walking,” noted Ghoraani. “The observation of how curve walking, demanding heightened cognitive and motor coordination, could serve as a valuable indicator of early-stage cognitive decline is particularly intriguing, suggesting that integrating simple yet challenging gait tasks into routine assessments could significantly enhance our ability to identify individuals at risk of dementia progression.”