Mapping the brain areas affecting walking while doing two things at once in older adults
Author Information
Author(s): Ali Pauline, Dinomais Mickaël, Labriffe Matthieu, Pieruccini-Faria Frederico, Montero-Odasso Manuel, Bartha Robert, Annweiler Cédric
Primary Institution: Université d'Angers
Hypothesis
This study aims to investigate the neural substrate of the high dual-task gait cost in older adults across the spectrum of cognitive decline.
Conclusion
The study found that individuals with a high dual-task cost while walking had smaller gray matter volume in specific brain areas, particularly in those with dementia.
Supporting Evidence
- A high dual-task cost in older adults is associated with smaller gray matter volume in the bilateral temporal lobe.
- The dementia group showed additional gray matter loss in the left precentral gyrus linked to high dual-task costs.
- Participants with mild cognitive impairment exhibited significant dual-task gait costs compared to healthy controls.
- Voxel-based morphometry revealed differences in brain structure related to cognitive status and dual-task performance.
Takeaway
Older people who have trouble walking and thinking at the same time may have smaller brain areas that help with these tasks.
Methodology
Participants underwent brain MRI and dual-task gait assessments, with voxel-based morphometry used to analyze gray matter volume differences.
Potential Biases
The control group included individuals with subjective cognitive complaints, which may affect the results.
Limitations
The cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions, and the sample included participants from a memory clinic, which may not represent the general population.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 122 cognitively healthy individuals, 168 with mild cognitive impairment, and 46 with dementia, with an average age of 71 years for healthy controls and 80 years for those with dementia.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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