Gait as Predictor of Dementia and Falls. The Gait and Brain Cohort Study

Launched by MANUEL MONTERO ODASSO · Jan 11, 2017

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Gait and Brain Cohort Study is a clinical trial that aims to understand how the way older adults walk can help predict their risk of developing dementia and experiencing falls. As people age, both their thinking and movement can slow down, and when both happen together, the risk of dementia increases significantly. The researchers believe that by observing small changes in a person's walking pattern while they perform a simple task, they can identify older adults who might be at a higher risk for dementia and mobility issues.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be between 60 and 85 years old and able to walk independently for a short distance without any walking aids, like a cane or walker. They should not have dementia or certain other medical conditions that could affect their walking. Participants will undergo assessments that include observing their gait, which could help in creating strategies to prevent or delay dementia and related mobility problems in the future. This study is particularly important as it addresses the growing number of older adults in Canada and aims to improve their quality of life while reducing the burden on the healthcare system.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• General Inclusion Criteria:
• • Absence of Dementia (DSM IV-TR or DSM V criteria)
• • Aged 60-85 years
• • Able to walk independently 10 meters without any gait aid (for example: walker, cane);
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Unable to understand English;
• • Parkinsonism or any neurological disorder with residual motor deficit (e.g.: stroke, epilepsy);
• • Musculoskeletal disorder detected by clinical examination which affects gait performance;
• • Active osteoarthritis affecting the lower limbs at clinical evaluation
• • Use of psychotropics which can affect motor performance (e.g. neuroleptics and benzodiazepines)
• • Severe Depression (score \> 12/15 on the Geriatric Depression Scale).