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Cognitive contributions to gait and falls: evidence and implications
Marianna Amboni1, Paolo Barone, Jeffrey M Hausdorff
1Isituto di Diagnosi e Cura Hermitage-Capodimonte, Naples, Italy; Neurodegenerative Diseases Center, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy.
Summary
Cognition significantly influences gait control and fall prevention in older adults and neurodegenerative patients. Understanding this link can improve assessments and interventions for dementia and fall risks.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Dementia and gait impairments are common in older adults and neurodegenerative disease patients.
- Both conditions are independent risk factors for falls.
- Gait requires cognitive processes beyond simple motor activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on cognition's role in gait control.
- To discuss clinical implications of the cognition-gait interplay.
- To highlight potential interventions for fall prevention and dementia risk reduction.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of experimental, neuropsychological, and neuroimaging studies.
- Review of dual-task paradigms assessing gait and cognition.
- Analysis of studies linking cognitive domains to walking.
Main Results:
- Growing evidence confirms cognition's pivotal role in gait control.
- Executive-attentional function, visuospatial abilities, and memory are crucial for walking.
- Neuroimaging studies support the link between cognitive resources and gait.
Conclusions:
- Cognition is essential for gait control and fall prevention.
- The cognition-gait interplay has significant clinical implications.
- Integrated assessments and interventions (e.g., cognitive therapy, walking programs) are promising.
