Slow walking plus memory issues put you at higher risk of dementia
Donncha Mullin, a scientist at the University of Edinburg, is trying to determine a simple way to assess an individual’s chances of developing dementia.
His research from December 2021 confirms the value of looking at someone’s walking speed (which is easy to measure) along with asking them if they experience any memory issues.
Those seniors who had a slower-than average walking speed and who also mentioned problems with their memory were more than twice as likely to develop dementia, and had a 38% increased risk of a serious fall.
Your brain didn’t evolve in order to generate lofty thoughts. One of the main drivers of the evolution of brain function in human prehistory was the need for increased sophistication of movement. So it’s no surprise that a healthy brain is one that can operate your body’s motor system effectively.
Maintaining and even improving movement capability is under your control no matter your age, degree of fitness, or level of body awareness.
Dr. Lavine has been an innovator in the use of movement and touch to promote health since 1981. He practices in New York City and Princeton, NJ.
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