Hippocampal volume, early cognitive decline and gait variability: which association?

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Gait Analysis

Background:

• The hippocampus is crucial for cognition, but its role in gait control remains debated.
• This study investigates the relationship between hippocampal volume and gait parameters in cognitively healthy individuals (CHI) and those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between hippocampal volume and spatio-temporal gait parameters (mean values and coefficients of variation) in CHI and MCI patients.
• To determine if cognitive status influences the relationship between hippocampal morphology and gait variability.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study included 90 participants (47 CHI, 43 MCI).
• Hippocampal volume was measured using 3D T1-weighted MRI and semi-automated software.
• Gait parameters (stride time, swing time, stride width) were assessed using a GAITRite® electronic walkway.

Main Results:

• MCI patients exhibited lower Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, higher stride time variability (CoV), and reduced hippocampal volume compared to CHI.
• Multiple linear regression revealed a significant positive association between hippocampal volume and stride time variability in CHI.
• This association was not observed in MCI patients.

Conclusions:

• A larger hippocampal volume is associated with greater stride time variability in cognitively healthy individuals.
• This relationship is absent in individuals with mild cognitive impairment, suggesting a dissociation between hippocampal structure and gait control in early cognitive decline.