Speed of walking is related to the buildup of beta amyloid , a protein, in the brains and this may be indicative of development of Alzheimer’s disease, says a recent study.
Slow walking speed and a dense amount of amyloid , a protein, collecting in the brain, may be associated with Alzheimer’s disease, say the researchers. The study sample was of 128 people who were approx of 76 years (average) who showed memory lapses and were taken in the high risk category for developing dementia, though they did not have the memory disorder. In the study sample, almost 48% participants had an amyloid level that was already seen by researchers in dementia patients.
The speed with which the elderly walk may have a connection with the amyloid deposits build up in the brain, even if the people are not showing symptoms of the disease. The putamen and other areas of the brain have a direct involvement with motor function. The researchers have discovered a connection between amyloid deposits in areas of the brain like putamen, and slow walking speed. There was no change in the relation of walking levels and amyloid deposits noticed by the scientists with regard to education, age, and memory problems.
The scientists made a comparison of walking speed and amount of amyloid deposits and they found out that the levels of amyloid deposits in the brain were responsible for almost 9% of walking speed disparity amongst people. The author of the study Natalia del Campo from the University Hospital Toulouse in France felt “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.” The lead author also stated that there were other reasons also for walking slow in elderly people. To read details on the research study refer to the online issue of the journal Neurology.
