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Updated: May 4, 2026
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A Fine Motor Task to Study Joint Kinematics in a Preclinical Model of Neurodegenerative Disease
Published on: June 13, 2025
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Preludes to brain failure: executive dysfunction and gait disturbances
Manuel Montero-Odasso1, Vladimir Hachinski
1Gait and Brain Lab, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Parkwood Hospital, The University of Western Ontario, Room A-280, 801 Commissioners Rd E, N6A 5A5, ON, London, Canada, mmontero@uwo.ca.
Summary
Slow gait and cognitive decline in older adults may stem from shared brain network issues, exacerbated by vascular factors. Addressing these risks may prevent further decline and disability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Age-related gait and cognitive decline are progressive and insidious.
- Slow gait and executive dysfunction are early indicators of decline, potentially leading to falls and dementia.
- These manifestations suggest a shared underlying mechanism, termed 'brain failure'.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the shared neural networks underlying gait and cognitive functions.
- To investigate the role of vascular pathomechanisms in age-related cognitive-motor decline.
- To propose a unified approach for evaluating and treating these aging-related features.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews existing evidence on age-dependent neuronal changes and vascular contributions.
- It examines the shared brain networks controlling motor performance and executive functions.
- The authors analyze the susceptibility of these networks to microvascular damage.
Main Results:
- Brain networks controlling gait and executive functions are interconnected and susceptible to vascular damage.
- Vascular risk factors significantly exacerbate age-dependent neuronal changes.
- Co-occurrence of slow gait and executive dysfunction indicates a common underlying pathology.
Conclusions:
- A unified approach to cognitive-motor decline is needed to understand and treat aging-related disability.
- Treating vascular risk factors and hypertension can complement standard care.
- Intervention targeting vascular health may prevent mobility and cognitive decline in older adults.
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