My husband was forty when we married. He wasn’t athletic and certainly not in as good of physical shape as I was, but not in bad shape either. However, the one thing I noticed was that he did not walk very fast and though he was 9 inches taller than me, I was a much faster walker. Over the years he progressively slowed his gait. I attributed his change in walking speed to just getting older and the type II diabetes he had developed that was affecting his blood circulation. However recent research suggests that a slowed gait might be more than just a sign of getting older—it could be an early warning sign of dementia. Studies show that people who experience a noticeable decline in their walking speed in midlife or later years may be at higher risk of cognitive decline. In my husband’s case, he did indeed develop dementia.
The Link Between Walking and Brain Health
Walking might seem like a simple task, but it actually requires complex coordination between the brain and body. The brain must process sensory information, control muscle movements, and maintain balance—all at once. A slowdown in gait could signal a weakening of these neural connections, particularly in areas of the brain responsible for memory and decision-making.
A growing body of research supports this connection. A 2022 study published in JAMA Neurology found that individuals whose walking speed declined over a period of time had a significantly higher risk of developing dementia. Another study from the University of Sydney revealed that those who experienced both gait decline and memory loss were especially vulnerable.
Why Does Gait Slow Down?
There are several reasons why gait may slow with age, including:
- Neurodegeneration: Damage to brain regions linked to motor function and cognition.
- Poor circulation: Reduced blood flow to the brain, which can impair cognitive function.
- Muscle weakness and joint issues: Age-related loss of muscle mass or conditions like arthritis.
- Neurological disorders: Conditions like Parkinson’s disease can also contribute to gait changes.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Brain and Mobility
While slowed gait may be a warning sign, it doesn’t mean dementia is inevitable. Here are ways to maintain both brain health and mobility:
Stay Active – Regular physical activity, including strength training and balance exercises, can keep your muscles and brain engaged. Exercise Your Brain – Activities like puzzles, reading, and learning new skills can help strengthen neural pathways. Social interaction is also extremely important for your brain health. Try combining some of these protective measures by inviting your friends to exercise, eat a healthy meal, or play a game together.
Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet – The Mediterranean diet, rich in healthy fats, lean protein, and antioxidants, supports cognitive function.
Prioritize Sleep – Poor sleep has been linked to both cognitive decline and mobility issues. Aim for 7–9 hours per night.
Get Regular Checkups – Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes can help reduce the risk of conditions that affect both brain and body function.
Final Thoughts
A slowing gait may seem like a minor change, but it could be a valuable early warning system for cognitive decline. If you or a loved one notice a significant decrease in walking speed, it’s worth discussing with a doctor. By staying proactive with physical and mental health, you can take meaningful steps toward maintaining both mobility and brain function as you age.
This article is for informational purposes only. If you are concerned about your walking gait or a loved one, please consult your doctor about further testing.
Read more:
Why 150 Minutes a Week is Your Lifesaving Magic Number
Publisher: Source link
