Is walking slow part of dementia? Uncovering the link between gait and cognitive decline
Research consistently shows a significant association between slower walking speed and an increased risk of dementia, with one meta-analysis revealing that people with the lowest walking pace had an 89% higher risk of cognitive decline and a 66% higher risk of dementia compared to those with the fastest pace. This connection suggests that slower gait, often perceived as a normal sign of aging, might instead be an early indicator of underlying neurodegenerative changes. Understanding this link is crucial for early detection and intervention strategies for age-related cognitive health concerns.