Gait Speed as a Biomarker of Cognitive Vulnerability: A Population-Based Study with Cognitively Normal Older Adults

Marcelo de Maio Nascimento, Élvio Rúbio Gouveia, Adilson Marques, Bruna R. Gouveia, Priscila Marconcin and Andreas Ihle
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Marcelo de Maio Nascimento: Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina 56304-917, Brazil
Élvio Rúbio Gouveia: Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Madeira, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
Adilson Marques: CIPER—Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Human Performance, Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, 1495-751 Lisbon, Portugal
Bruna R. Gouveia: LARSyS—Laboratory for Robotics and Engineering Systems, Interactive Technologies Institute, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
Priscila Marconcin: Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, 1495-751 Lisbon, Portugal
Andreas Ihle: Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 12, 1-12

Abstract: We aimed to examine associations between cognitive vulnerability and gait speed (GS) in a large older sample. A cross-sectional study analyzed data from the “Health, Lifestyle and Fitness in Adults and Seniors in Amazonas” (SEVAAI) project. In total, 697 participants were included (mean age 70.35 ± 6.86 years). Usual and fast GS were evaluated, and cognitive performance was examined by the COGTEL test battery. There was a positive and large correlation between cognition (COGTEL score) and usual GS ( r = 0.510; p < 0.001) and fast GS ( r = 0.503; p < 0.001). The usual GS, as a continuous variable, indicated a chance of improved cognitive performance by up to 55%, and fast GS by up to 82%. After controlling for potential confounders (i.e., sex, age, MMSE and years of education), usual and fast GS indicated a chance of improving cognition, respectively, in 57% and 85%. Analysis of GS in quartiles (Q) showed high and significant associations between usual and fast GS and cognitive vulnerability. GS classified as Q1 (slower), Q2 and Q3 represented a greater chance of presenting cognitive deficits, respectively, than in participants with both GS classified as Q4 (highest). Cognitive vulnerability was associated with low GS. Usual and fast GS can be used as complementary measures for the evaluation of cognitively normal Brazilian older adults.

Keywords: gait speed; cognition; older adult; biomarker (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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