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Lower extremity motor function and disability in mild cognitive impairment.
P A Boyle1, R S Wilson, A S Buchman
1Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA. Patricia_Boyle@rush.edu
Experimental Aging Research
|May 15, 2007
Summary
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is linked to poorer gait and balance. This motor dysfunction in MCI contributes to disability and is not explained by vascular factors alone.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gerontology
- Movement Science
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may involve lower extremity motor dysfunction.
- The specific nature and impact of motor deficits in MCI are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between MCI and impairments in gait, balance, and strength.
- To determine the relationship between lower extremity function and disability in individuals with MCI.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gait, balance, and strength in individuals with and without MCI.
- Inclusion of adjustments for age, sex, education, vascular risk factors, and vascular disease.
- Utilized data from the Rush Memory and Aging Project.
Main Results:
- Individuals with MCI demonstrated significantly impaired gait and balance compared to cognitively unimpaired individuals.
- The association between MCI and motor dysfunction persisted even after accounting for vascular factors.
- Among those with MCI, gait and balance impairments were linked to a higher likelihood of disability.
Conclusions:
- Lower extremity motor dysfunction is prevalent in MCI and contributes to functional disability.
- The observed motor deficits in MCI are not solely attributable to the vascular factors investigated.
