Changes in executive function and gait in people with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease

• Autor(a) principal: Cezar,Natália Oiring de Castro
• Data de Publicação: 2021
• Outros Autores: Ansai,Juliana Hotta, Oliveira,Marcos Paulo Braz de, Silva,Danielle Chagas Pereira da, Vale,Francisco Assis Carvalho, Takahashi,Anielle Cristhine de Medeiros, Andrade,Larissa Pires de
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Dementia & Neuropsychologia
• Texto Completo: http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1980-57642021000100060
• topic: walking speed; longitudinal studies; cognition; cognitive dysfunction; aging

ABSTRACT. Changes in executive function and motor aspects can compromise the prognosis of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and favor the evolution to dementia. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in executive function and gait and to determine the association between changes in these variables. Methods: A 32-month longitudinal study was conducted with 40 volunteers: 19 with preserved cognition (PrC), 15 with MCI and 6 with Alzheimer disease (AD). Executive function and gait speed were assessed using the Frontal Assessment Battery, the Clock-Drawing test and the 10-meter walk test. For data analysis, the Pearson product-moment correlation, two-way repeated-measures ANOVA, and chi-square were conducted. Results: After 32 months, an improvement in the executive function was found in all groups (p=0.003). At baseline, gait speed was slower in individuals with MCI and AD compared to those with PrC (p=0.044), that was maintained after the follow-up (p=0.001). There was significant increase in number of steps in all groups (p=0.001). No significant association was found between changes in gait speed and executive function. Conclusions: It should be taken into account that gait deteriorates prior to executive function to plan interventions and health strategies for this population.