Walk While Counting Backward to Diagnose This Type of Dementia

A study published in Neurology details how simple walking tests can accurately diagnose a form of dementia that may sometimes be reversed when spotted early and quickly treated, reports CNN . Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) affects seniors' walking ability and mobility, and mild cognitive impairment or dementia can be additional symptoms. The study suggests the walking test can differentiate iNPH from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) up to 97 percent of the time. The researchers analyzed and compared the gaits of 38 persons diagnosed with PSP, 27 diagnosed with iNPH, and 38 healthy volunteers. Most participants were about 70 years old, but did not need a cane or aid to walk 30 feet or more. In three tests, participants walked at their preferred speed, then at a slow speed and finally at their fastest speed. In a fourth test, subjects walked while counting backward, while in a fifth test they walked while carrying a tray. The team determined those with PSP tend to fling their legs forward while walking, and turn suddenly and uncontrollably. Meanwhile, people with iNPH appear as if their feet are glued to the floor, and some swing their arms in an exaggerated way. Those with PSP also fall more often than those with iNPH, but in both disorders, hitting the ground is thought to be related to motor and cognitive impairments. Persons with iNPH had worse stride, moving more broadly from side to side. The investigators diagnosed those with PSP and those with iNPH 82 percent of the time according to gait, and 97 percent of the time when adding in scores from the dual-task tests.