Neurodegenerative and Cerebrovascular Brain Pathologies Are Differentially Associated With Declining Grip Strength and Gait In Older Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Understanding the pathological bases underlying the heterogeneity of motor decline in old age may lead to targeted treatments. We examined whether different brain pathologies are related to declining grip strength and gait function.

Methods

We examined postmortem brains of older adults who underwent annual motor testing. Postmortem exam measured 6 neurodegenerative and 5 cerebrovascular disease (CVD) pathologies. Grip strength was measured twice bilaterally using a hand-held dynamometer, and gait function was a composite measure based on time and steps taken to walk 8 ft and perform a 360° turn twice.

Results

In separate linear mixed-effects models including all autopsied adults (N = 1 217), neurodegenerative pathologies including tau tangles, TDP-43, and n

SUBMITTER: Oveisgharan S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9977235 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature