Understanding walking difficulties in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease
Locomotion adaptation deficits in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimers disease
This study looks at how mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease affect walking and adjusting to different surroundings, with the goal of finding ways to help people maintain their mobility and prevent falls in their daily lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10754072 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) affect the ability to walk and adapt to changing environments. It focuses on the relationship between cognitive decline and gait performance, aiming to understand how these conditions impact daily activities like walking in the community. The study uses a method called split-belt walking to assess locomotor adaptation, which is crucial for maintaining mobility and preventing falls. By examining these factors, the research seeks to identify potential interventions to improve walking function in affected individuals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients without cognitive impairments or those who are not older adults may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing mobility and reducing fall risk in older adults with cognitive impairments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using split-belt adaptation to assess gait in various populations, but this specific application in MCI and AD is novel.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kesar, Trisha — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Kesar, Trisha
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 below.