2024-03-21 08:31:17
Scientists have found that walking in a curve can help detect mild cognitive impairment in its early stages. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
For identifying earlyDementiaDue to the importance of signs, scientists have been seeking more effective and easier diagnostic methods.a newResearchpointed out that having a person walk along a curved path can help detect mildcognitive impairment。
This article was published inAlzheimer’s diseaseJournal of Reports study, led by Dr. Behnaz Ghoraani of Florida Atlantic University. He said: “By using curve walking as a diagnostic method, we have proposed a method that is non-invasive, cost-effective and can be integrated into clinical practice. Its main value is to supplement existing assessments and detect mild cognitive impairment early.” The results of this study may help in early diagnosis and early treatment.
The researchers asked 30 healthy older adults and 25 people with mild cognitive impairment to walk on straight and curved paths and compared their gait characteristics. The results showed that compared with walking in a straight line, the stride length, speed, symmetry and regularity of patients with mild cognitive impairment were significantly reduced when the path curved, especially when changing direction, and foot speed was reduced.
The findings did not show any significant differences in age and gender distribution between the two groups. However, there were significant differences between the two groups in terms of body mass index (BMI), years of education, and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) scores. Compared with healthy older adults, participants with mild cognitive impairment had higher BMI, lower educational attainment, and higher GDS scores.
People with mild cognitive impairment are at a much higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
People with mild cognitive impairment, an early stage of cognitive decline, are at a much higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.Accurate and early detection of Alzheimer’s disease remains a challenge. Typical clinical evaluation includes a detailed medical history, comprehensive physical and neurological examination, cognitive testing, blood tests and brain imaging, which are time-consuming and expensive. Most therapeutic drugs are most effective in the early stages of the disease, and this new method that integrates multiple gait indicators will help detect cognitive abnormalities early, assist in early diagnosis and treatment, slow down the progression of symptoms, and improve quality of life.
This study used a depth camera to track body joint motion and quantify gait data. Dr. Ghoraani is actively working to design a method that can be used for assessment using the camera of a general smartphone, so that individuals can conduct preliminary assessment at home.
The researchers believe that cognitive impairment was more likely to be detected when participants walked in a curve because walking in a curve requires stronger cognitive and motor skills. Scientists hope that by combining new technologies such as gait analysis with existing clinical assessments, dementia can be diagnosed earlier and more accurately, thereby promoting timely treatment and care and improving patients’ quality of life.
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