Advances in Interdisciplinary Science: Brain Control of Mobility in Aging and Disease Populations
2024

Brain Control of Mobility in Aging and Disease Populations

publication

Author Information

Author(s): Mark Wagshul, Paul Laurienti, Chun Liang Hsu, Roee Holtzer

Primary Institution: Oxford University Press US

Hypothesis

Cognitive and mobility performance and decline are inter-related and potentially coupled, implicating the brain as a key common denominator.

Conclusion

The studies highlight how brain integrity measures can predict mobility outcomes and help mitigate the risk of mobility decline.

Supporting Evidence

  • Whole brain latent patterns are associated with gait speed in older adults with and without multiple sclerosis.
  • High cognitive reserve attenuates the association between amyloid beta and mobility decline.
  • High physical reserve mitigates the negative effects of white matter hyperintensities on postural stability in older adults with SIVCI.
  • Higher fNIRS-derived HbO during dual-task walking is protective against future falls in older adults with relapsing-remitting MS.

Takeaway

This research shows that how our brain works can affect how we move as we get older, and understanding this can help prevent falls.

Methodology

The studies utilized advanced neuroimaging methods to assess brain integrity and its relationship with mobility outcomes.

Participant Demographics

Older adults, including those with multiple sclerosis and subcortical ischemic vascular cognitive impairment.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.0146

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