Impact of Walking Speed on Cognitive Decline and Dementia Risk
A new study suggests that a slower walking pace could be a sign of cognitive decline or dementia. Researchers assessed over 16,800 healthy individuals over 65 and found a link between declining walking speed and cognitive ability with a higher risk of dementia.
Key Points
- Decline in walking speed linked to higher risk of dementia
- Combination of declining memory and slowing gait indicates future dementia risk
- Healthy lifestyle factors can help prevent or delay dementia onset
Pros
- Simple and measurable indicator for potential dementia risk
- Early identification can lead to preventive interventions
- Encourages healthy lifestyle behaviors for cognitive health
Cons
- Walking speed alone may not be a definitive indicator of dementia
- Not all factors impacting dementia risk are modifiable