Slower Walking Could Be An Early Warning Sign Of Dementia, Recent Study Finds

October 30, 2024 - Korin Miller

Originally published October 29, 2024 on WomensHealth.com

Dementia impacts nearly seven million older adults in the U.S. But the devastating condition often progresses slowly, making it difficult to know if a loved one is struggling early on.

However, recent research suggests that something as simple as your walking speed could indicate if you have dementia. Here’s what the study found, plus what it means for treatment going forward.

Why could a slower walking speed indicate dementia?

The exact mechanism isn’t entirely clear. However, there is a link between slower walking speed and a decline in health, says Amit Sachdev, MD, MS, medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University. “Slower walking speed is an important metric for overall health, and overall health predicts brain health,” he says.

“It does not matter why the walk has slowed. It almost always implies a decline in overall wellness is coming,” he adds.

Read the full article here.