Rising energetic cost of walking predicts cognitive impairment - PubMed
4 hours ago
- #Alzheimer's disease
- #cognitive impairment
- #walking efficiency
- The study examines the link between the rising energetic cost of walking and cognitive impairment in older adults.
- 687 cognitively normal older adults (mean age 74.0 ± 7.2 years, 52% women) were followed over 7.6 ± 3.8 years with repeated walking energy expenditure assessments.
- 91 participants (13%) developed cognitive impairment, showing a steeper increase in walking energy cost compared to non-progressors.
- Higher baseline energetic cost predicted cognitive impairment in adults aged ≥75 years but not in those aged 65-74.
- Walking efficiency is suggested as a physiological link between mobility and cognitive health, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.