Cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s progression can each be subtle and gradual, and some early dementia signs aren’t even ones you’d associate with brain health—at least not on the surface. A recent study shows links between two physical changes that may be an early sign of dementia—and not necessarily just a sign of getting older.
Researchers at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, connected two very specific changes in physical abilities with cognitive decline. What are they and should you be concerned?
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Two Physical Changes That May Be Early Signs of Dementia
According to the Monash University study, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the combination of a slower gait and reduced grip strength appeared to predict cognitive decline.
The study followed 18,000 healthy adults ages 70 and older over the course of five years. In the findings, a combined poor gait speed and poor grip strength was linked to a 79% increase in dementia risk and a 43% higher risk of cognitive decline. The spike was highest when gait speed and grip strength each declined simultaneously, showing a 55% increased risk of cognitive decline and a whopping 89% increased risk of dementia.
OK, but now what?
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What the Gait and Grip Dementia Study May Mean for You
First, to clarify: If you walk slower than you used to because of, say, an injury, this may not apply to you! That also goes for if your grip strength is weakened because of an injury or other medical condition.
“If you notice just a change in gait [speed], the reasons could have nothing to do with dementia,” Dr. Elizabeth Landsverk, MD, a geriatrician and dementia expert, previously told Parade. “It could be linked to certain medications or a combination of meds or as a result of a recent, extended hospital stay. A hospital stay of 10 days or longer may lead to losing up to 50% muscle mass. A slower gait speed could be due to other conditions like arthritis, joint replacements and neurological function, not to mention Parkinson’s disease.”
The gait speed and grip strength study focused on healthy adults without other issues that would impede either their walking or gripping ability.
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That said, this development may aid in earlier diagnosis of dementia and cognitive decline.
“Poor physical function may be a marker of future risk of cognitive decline and dementia, and thus, understanding this association could enhance early detection and prevention strategies,” lead study author Dr. Suzanne Orchard, Bsc., Ph.D., senior research fellow at Monash University’s School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said. “While there are currently no cures for dementia, if identified early, treatment strategies can be implemented to slow its progression and manage the symptoms.”
According to Dr. Orchard, testing patients’ grips and their gait speeds in regular medical checkups may give physicians a clearer and earlier picture of their patients’ risk of dementia and cognitive impairment. Because knowledge is power, the sooner you and your doctor notice the signs of dementia, the sooner you both can take action to slow its progression and take necessary measures to protect yourself and your loved ones.
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