Investigating how walking patterns can indicate early signs of Alzheimer's disease.
Official title: Gait as a Preclinical Marker for Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: insights from super-movers, usual-movers, and slow-movers
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-10978509 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how your walking speed might be connected to early signs of Alzheimer's and other dementias, and it's for older adults who want to understand how staying active could help keep their brains healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,174,367 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG089096-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978509 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults aged 80 and above, particularly those who are classified as super-movers with exceptional walking speed.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between gait (walking patterns) and the early signs of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By classifying older adults into categories based on their walking speed—slow-movers, usual-movers, and super-movers—the team aims to identify unique brain and biological characteristics that may protect against cognitive decline. The study employs advanced techniques in neuroscience and biology to uncover risk factors and protective mechanisms associated with gait dysfunction. Participants may help reveal how maintaining a fast walking speed into old age could be linked to better cognitive health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early identification of individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, allowing for timely interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in linking gait patterns to cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Verghese, Joe — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Verghese, Joe
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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.