Gait clues to cognitive change in Parkinson’s disease
Official title: Gait-related predictors of cognitive decline in people with PD
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-11366228 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study following people with Parkinson’s disease to see if how they walk, especially when distracted, can warn us about future cognitive decline.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $655,118 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG095198-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11366228 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease who can walk with or without assistance and can participate in gait and cognitive assessments.
✕Less likely to help
People unable to walk or perform the required tasks, or those unable to provide consent or comply with study procedures, may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at whether gait patterns, including walking while multitasking, can predict cognitive decline in people with Parkinson’s disease. Researchers will measure walking and brain activity, using wearable sensors and brain imaging, to understand how gait relates to thinking and attention. Findings could help identify early signs of dementia risk and inform interventions to preserve independence and quality of life. The study will collect data in controlled settings and in real-world environments to capture natural walking patterns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to earlier detection of cognitive decline and guide personalized strategies to maintain function for people with Parkinson’s.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests gait dynamics are linked to cognitive status, supporting potential benefit for this approach but further validation is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Scottsdale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ofori, Edward — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Ofori, Edward
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.