Pioneering research reveals that walking may be used as a clinical tool to diagnose a person's dementia and identify its type. For the first time, a team of researchers from New Castle University shows that people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease come with their very own walking pattern that is distinctly different from people with Lewy body dementia. These walking patterns signal the subtle difference between these two health conditions.
The research was published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. The paper showed that patients with Lewy body dementia could be characterized by the change in their walking patterns. They are likely to make varying changes in it in terms of time and length. They make rather asymmetric movements compared to patients who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
The study proves to be helpful in establishing gait for a clinical biomarker, identifying more subtypes of the disease. Such knowledge could help improve the treatment plan for these patients.
Dr. Riona McArdle, a post doctoral researcher from the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the New Castle University led the research funded by the Alzheimer's Society. "The way people walk is a reflection of the changes in their manner of thinking. It allows us to see how they try to access memories that simply highlight the issues in the brain including dementia." McArdle said.
"The correct identification of the type of dementia one has including the extent of its severity is regarded as highly important information by researchers and clinicians. It allows them to give patients that most accurate treatment for their condition to keep their condition from worsening," McArdle added.
At the moment, dementia is diagnosed by identifying its early symptoms. When the doctor requires, a brain scan is also made. For this study, the team of researchers analyzed how 110 people walk. The group included 29 people who were perfectly healthy, 36 patients with Alzheimer's and 45 with Lewy body dementia. The participants were asked to go about a simple walk test on a mat with thousands of sensors that record each step including the pressure they put on it as well as their speed. The walking on the mat also revealed a specific walking pattern than they have. The scientists have found that using the walking patterns they have collected, they can identify at least 60% of their dementia subtypes -- which was never done before.
The results of the study are exciting as it suggests that walking can be added to the diagnostic tools used to detect and determine dementia. The goal is to always make an accurate diagnosis.
"When people get the right diagnosis, it means that they are to get the right treatment as well. The management and the care provided to them will ensure that their conditions are kept at a range where it can be controlled and treated," McArdle added.
