Slower gait, slower information processing and smaller prefrontal area in older adults Age Ageing . 2011 Sep 28; Rosano C, Studenski SA, Aizenstein HJ, Boudreau RM, Longstreth WT, Newman AB Abstract BACKGROUND: slower gait in older adults is related to smaller volume of the prefrontal area (PFAv). The pathways underlying this association have not yet been explored. Understanding slowing gait could help improve function in older age. We examine whether the association between smaller PFAv and slower gait is explained by lower performance on numerous neuropsychological tests.Hypothesis: we hypothesise that slower information processing explains this association, while tests of language or memory will not. METHODS: data on brain imaging, neuropsychological tests (information processing speed, visuospatial attention, memory, language, mood) and time to walk 15 feet were obtained in 214 adults (73.3 years, 62% women) free from stroke and dementia. Covariates included central (white matter h...
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from Anthony Risser, Ph.D.