Comparison of Dual Task Performance, Cadence, and Walking Speed in Healthy Geriatric Individuals with Alzheimer's Dementia
Abstract
Purpose: Alzheimer’s Dementia (AD) affects both cognitive and motor functions, often reducing gait speed, altering cadence, and impairing dual-task performance compared to healthy aging. This study aimed to compare dual-task performance, cadence, and gait speed between individuals with AD and healthy older adults. Method: Fifty participants aged 65 and older were recruited from private care centers in Ankara. The AD group included 25 individuals with a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Dementia who could walk independently. The control group included 25 healthy older adults with independent ambulation. Dual-task performance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test with cognitive and motor tasks. Gait speed was measured via the 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), and cadence was evaluated using the Footprint Method. Cognitive status was determined using the Standardized Mini-Mental Test (SMMT). Findings: The mean age of the AD group was 76.44±8.70 years, and the control group was 70.92±5.93 years. Individuals with AD showed significantly lower dual-task performance (p=0.000), slower gait speed (p=0.000), and reduced cadence (p=0.049) compared to healthy older adults. Step length and double step length were also notably shorter in the AD group. Conclusion: Older adults with Alzheimer’s Dementia exhibit marked impairments in motor and dual-task functions compared to their healthy peers. Rehabilitation programs should incorporate motor-cognitive strategies to improve dual-task performance and gait parameters. Individualized, environment-focused interventions are crucial for promoting autonomy and reducing functional decline in AD. In healthy aging, early assessment and preventive strategies are essential for maintaining mobility and independence.
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References
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