Shock Alzheimer's warning: Why walking slowly could be early sign of disease

Walking slowly could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease

WALKING slowly may be an early sign of Alzheimer's in older people at risk of dementia, according to shocking new research.

 

Scientists studied 128 people with an average age of 76 who had displayed evidence of impaired memory.

Scans showed 48 per cent of the group had a build up of beta amyloid protein fragments in their brains – one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.

These individuals were also more likely to walk at a slower speed, measured using a standard test that times how fast a person can cover 13 feet at normal pace.

 

The findings – from scientists at the University Hospital of Toulouse in France – are published in the latest online issue of the journal Neurology.

Lead researcher Dr Natalia del Campo studied 128 men and women aged 70-plus.

She said: "It's possible that having subtle walking disturbances in addition to memory concerns may signal Alzheimer's disease, even before people show any clinical symptoms.

 

Around 850,000 people in the UK have dementia

Dr Louise Walker of the Alzheimer's Society, said: "Memory problems are the most recognisable symptom of Alzheimer's disease.

"But the condition can also affect people in many other ways, such as problems with navigation or concentration.

"Research has already shown that people with Alzheimer's disease may have difficulties with walking.

"But it is unclear if this is due to the condition itself or other factors, especially those associated with ageing."