Motor Function in Subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Alzheimer’s Disease

Vol. 19, No. 5-6, 2005

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Original Research Article

Motor Function in Subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Alzheimer's Disease
A.F. Pettersson^{a, b}, E. Olsson^a, L.-O. Wahlund^b

Neurotec Department, Divisions of
^aPhysiotherapy and
^bClinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

Address of Corresponding Author

Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2005;19:299-304 (DOI: 10.1159/000084555)

Key Words

Alzheimer's disease
Balance
Cognition
Dementia
Gait
Basic mobility

Abstract

Basic mobility, balance, gait and dual-task performance were characterised in 140 consecutive subjects referred to a multidisciplinary university hospital in a geriatric setting for cognitive symptoms and possible dementia. After completion of an extensive diagnostic evaluation, subjects were classified into four diagnostic categories: no cognitive impairment, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementia. Mean age was 57 ± 9.2, 60 ± 7.3, 68 ± 9.9 and 64 ± 10.5, respectively. Data on motor function, medication use and presence of white matter changes were evaluated and compared between the diagnostic groups. Motor function seems to be affected in very mild AD but not in mild cognitive impairment, as assessed with performance-based tests. AD subjects were slowed and had difficulties in dual-task performance requiring concurrently performing a cognitive task while walking.

Author Contacts

Anna Pettersson, RPT MSc
Geriatric Clinic B56
Karolinska University Hospital
SE-141 86 Stockholm (Sweden)
Tel. +46 8 585 855 28, Fax +46 8 585 821 90, E-Mail anna.pettersson@neurotec.ki.se

Article Information

Accepted: November 1, 2004
Published online: March 22, 2005
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 4, Number of References : 39

Medline Abstract (ID 15785030)

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