Slowing gait speed precedes cognitive decline by several years.

Introduction: In this longitudinal study, we aimed to examine if slowing gait speed preceded cognitive decline and correlated with brain amyloidosis.

Methods: The sample (n = 287) was derived from the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies, with follow-ups between 2000 and 2015. Gait speed was measured by indoor walk, and cognition using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score. All participants had CDR = 0 at baseline. Some participants had data on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid beta (Aβ) concentrations at the 2009 examination.

Results: Gait speed for participants who worsened in CDR score during follow-up was slower at most examinations. Baseline gait speed could significantly predict CDR change from baseline to follow-up. Subjects with pathological CSF Aβ concentrations at the 2009 visit had lost more gait speed compared to previous examinations.

Discussion: Our results indicate that gait speed decline precedes cognitive decline, is linked to Alzheimer's pathology, and might be used for early detection of increased risk for dementia development.