A new method is able to predict a person’s risk of cognitive decline based on the degree of their physical balance. Researchers from Japan recently succeeded in developing a new method for predicting cognitive problems based on body balance, according to Neuroscience News, citing BMC Geriatrics.
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increased risks
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have revealed a new measure of physical balance that can help identify risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in humans. MCI is a medical condition characterized by subtle changes in cognitive ability. Because people with this condition have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, early detection of MCI can guide medical interventions that can prevent the condition from worsening.
vestibular function
Balance problems occur in people with Alzheimer’s disease who have a high frequency of falls, and they result from changes in vestibular function, which is responsible for balance and a sense of spatial direction. Currently, there are few options for effective homeostasis testing in the general population, and this is the problem that researchers at the University of Tsukuba aim to address.
Dementia, Alzheimer’s, illustration (Photo: Ingimage)
Early interventions for prevention
“Early interventions are essential for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease,” says the study’s lead researcher, Professor Naoya Yahagi. “Since changes in vestibular function are associated with both MCI and Alzheimer’s disease, the study aimed to develop a new method for assessing these changes in performance in the general population,” she added.
A new evaluation method
The researchers then set out to design a new method for assessing balance and vestibular function using a Nintendo Wii foam rubber balance board. The measure is called the Visual Dependency Index of Stability (VPS). Healthy volunteer participants, aged 56-75, without significant cognitive impairment, successfully completed tests of the VPS index as well as indices of cognitive function.
Surprising results
“The results were surprising,” explains Professor Yahagi, “VPS scores were found to be significantly related to cognitive impairment, which was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Index, a common tool for examining cognitive ability.” Furthermore, the scale had relatively high sensitivities and specificities, indicating that it was able to easily capture important cues to indicate whether a person is at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
New treatment options
Professor Yahagi explains that the new method can be a cheap and accessible way to test cognitive impairments in the general population, therefore early and accurate identification of MCI can lead to new treatment options that can significantly improve outcomes for people at risk of the disease.