Study finds physical features that may be a sign of dementia
More than 55 million people worldwide suffer from dementia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 60% of them live in low- and middle-income countries. Almost ten million new cases are reported worldwide every year. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are not the same thing. Dementia is the result of various diseases and injuries that affect the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and may account for 60% to 70% of cases.
Memory loss is the most common symptom of dementia and one of the first to agree, but not the only one. The BMJ Open study found that depression and cognitive decline were the first symptoms to appear in 98.5 and 99.1 percent of the cases they studied. A new JAMA Network Open study has identified another possible symptom of dementia. According to the study, published in JAMA Network Open, researchers examined more than 16,800 healthy people over 65 in the United States and Australia over a seven-year period (2010 to 2017).
Slow walking may be a symptom of dementia
A new study suggests that a slower walking pace may be a sign of cognitive decline or dementia. The researchers measured the participants’ walking speed and administered cognitive tests every two years. According to the report, Those whose walking speed decreased by at least 2 inches per second per year, as well as slowed cognitive abilities, had a higher risk of developing dementia compared with the individuals studied.
“The combination of memory loss and slow gait appears to be a stronger indicator of future dementia risk than worsening of either measure alone,” study leader Dr. Taya A. Collyer told Fox News Digital, who led the study at Monash University. . in Australia. “Family members often note that their loved one has changed before they were diagnosed with dementia.”explained Dr. Amy Brodtmann, a neurologist and professor at the Cognitive Health Initiative at Monash University in Australia.
Measure speed to detect disease
The researchers suggested that measuring gait speed could be a useful tool in combination with other screening measures to help identify people at risk of developing dementia and provide them with early testing and preventative interventions, since measuring speed is not overly complex. .
“We still don’t have an accurate test for dementia that family doctors can carry out in their clinics.“, explained one of the authors of the study. The authors continue to work to achieve this as soon as possible. Research shows that the way a person walks regularly can help signal or detect potential disease.
The importance of living a healthy lifestyle
Research recommends walking frequently at different paces, increasing speed to improve reflexes. “Regular strength training, such as squats, step-ups, bridges and leg raises, can keep our core muscles strong as we age,” advised Farrell, one of the researchers.
These activities are not the only ones that help with dementia. ACE Foundation Research I decided that dancing classes were also useful. They gave classes for four months to 22 people with dementia and Participants gained balance, which reduces the risk of falls, which impacts the safety and independence of these individuals.who, due to illness, already have a high probability of getting into an accident. And this has a positive effect on people’s quality of life and happiness.