Study of Gait as a Predictor of Cognitive Decline, Dementia, and Falls Risk in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying older adults aged 60 to 85 to understand how changes in walking patterns combined with thinking difficulties may predict the risk of developing dementia and experiencing falls. The study aims to find simple and reliable ways to identify individuals with mild cognitive impairment MCI who are at higher risk of progressing to dementia. This research is important because dementia and falls often occur together in older adults, leading to disability, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs in Canada. This long-term observational study began in 2007 and plans to follow about 600 participants over 25 years to track changes in cognition, walking, and balance. Assessments were done every 6 months for the first five years and then yearly, with additional virtual check-ins every six months starting in 2023. Participants undergo cognitive tests, gait and balance evaluations, blood tests for genetic markers, and brain imaging scans at multiple time points to monitor brain structure and function. During the study, participants will complete regular visits for cognitive and physical assessments, blood collection, and MRI scans. Researchers will track outcomes such as progression to dementia, type of dementia, mobility decline, incidence of falls, brain anatomical changes, and mortality. The study aims to identify early signs of decline to help target interventions that may delay dementia and reduce disability in older adults.

Gait as Predictor of Dementia and Falls. The Gait and Brain Cohort Study