Association between gait speed deterioration and EEG abnormalities
Daysi García-Agustin1, Valia Rodríguez-Rodríguez2, Rosa Ma Morgade-Fonte3
1Cuban Centre for Longevity, Ageing and Health Studies, Havana, Cuba.
Plos One
|June 4, 2024
Summary
Early functional decline in older adults, even when active, is common. Screening for mobility and cognitive changes, alongside brain function tests, can help identify risks and promote longer independent living.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Age-related physical and cognitive changes often precede evident functional decline.
- Early, overlooked changes may be more responsive to preventative strategies than established conditions.
- There is a need to screen for early functional changes in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To support the need for screening early functional changes in older adults.
- To investigate the early association between declines in mobility and cognition.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional cohort study of 95 community-dwelling older adults in Havana, Cuba.
- Gait speed (cut-off 0.8 m/s) and cognitive status (Mini-Mental State Examination - MMSE) were measured.
- Quantitative analysis of resting electroencephalogram (EEG) was performed.
Main Results:
- 70% of participants showed gait speed decline (<0.8 m/s).
- Of those with gait decline, 80% had abnormal EEG frequency composition.
- Individuals with MMSE scores <25 exhibited both gait speed decline and abnormal EEG.
Conclusions:
- Early functional decline is prevalent in active, independent older adults.
- Screening for mobility and cognitive changes, with EEG assessment, can identify subclinical decline.
- Clinical pathways incorporating early screening and intervention are crucial for prolonging functional life in older age.
