Lower-extremity function in cognitively healthy aging, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease.
OBJECTIVE
To examine differences in lower-extremity function in cognitive healthy older persons, older persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and older persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD).


METHODS
Descriptive study.


METHODS
University Alzheimer's disease clinical and research program.


METHODS
Older persons (N=66) were studied (mean age, 76.7y); 22 were cognitively normal, 22 were diagnosed with probable MCI, 22 were diagnosed with probable AD.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Lower-extremity function was assessed by the four-meter walk test (4MWT), Timed Up & Go (TUG) test, and sit-to-stand (STS) test.


RESULTS
Analysis of variance, adjusting for covariates, revealed that performance on the 4MWT was significantly lower in the MCI and AD groups as compared with controls. TUG test performance was worse in the AD group compared with controls. No significant group differences were found for STS performance.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest an association between cognitive impairment and lower-limb function in older persons. Walking speed could be evaluated for its possible utility in screening older persons at risk for cognitive impairment and falls.
Eggermont
Laura H
LH
Alzheimer's Disease Clinical and Research Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118-2526, USA.
Gavett
Brandon E
BE
Volkers
Karin M
KM
Blankevoort
Christiaan G
CG
Scherder
Erik J
EJ
Jefferson
Angela L
AL
Steinberg
Eric
E
Nair
Anil
A
Green
Robert C
RC
Stern
Robert A
RA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016138:Walking
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