Scientists have warned about 2 changes in the body that dramatically increase the risk of dementia

Decreasing cognitive functions in old age is a common phenomenon, but poor memory or reduced speech does not always indicate dementia. However, scientists found out that a simultaneous decrease in brain functions and walking speed sharply increases the risk of developing dementia.

16,855 people over the age of 70 took part in the experiment. “Gait speed and such indicators of cognitive functions as general brain abilities, memory, speed of information processing and speed of speech were evaluated in all participants at the beginning of the study and annually until its completion,” the scientific article says. At the same time, experts took into account the country, the initial pace of walking and the rating of cognition.

During the study, scientists found out that all categories of people with reduced cognitive functions and reduced walking speed had an increased risk of dementia. However, it was the combination of slow gait and memory impairment that proved most dangerous. These two changes in the body dramatically increase the risk of dementia.

At the same time, slowing of gait and deterioration of brain functions are separately considered harbingers of dementia. However, their combination gives more unfavorable forecasts. All the study participants were healthy at the beginning of the experiment, so at the slightest changes it was recommended to undergo an examination, especially since no special equipment is needed to measure the walking speed, just a stopwatch, said Dr. Michelle Callisaya in an interview with Medscape.

The expert emphasized that the walking pace is, in principle, an indicator of the general state of health. And after 50 years, it begins to undergo changes.