這項開創性研究追蹤了630名75歲及以上的社區居民六年，將他們分為三組：失智、認知完好或可能表現出阿茲海默症、血管性失智症、錐體外失智症或以上各種組合的預臨床階段。值得注意的是，偵測到步態和運動減緩相結合的認知障礙參與者，被確定為最容易在研究期間(六年)內發展為失智症的人群(OR 5.6; 95% CI 2.5-12.6)
In the realm of medical research, every breakthrough holds the promise of transforming lives. Today, we delve into a profound study shedding light on the intricate relationship between gait abnormalities and the onset of dementia. As an aspiring entrepreneur in the healthcare sector, this revelation paves the way for innovative solutions in gait analysis, with the potential to revolutionize early detection methods for dementia.
Traditionally, assessments for preclinical dementia predominantly revolved around cognitive measures, particularly focusing on memory functions, often to predict Alzheimer’s disease. However, the Sydney Older Persons Study has widened our perspective by incorporating non-cognitive clinical markers into preclinical definitions, enhancing their predictive power significantly.
This groundbreaking study followed 630 community-dwelling participants aged 75 or older for six years, categorizing them into groups: demented, cognitively intact, or possibly exhibiting preclinical phases of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, extrapyramidal dementia, or various combinations thereof. Remarkably, participants displaying cognitive impairment alongside gait and motor slowing were identified as the most susceptible to dementia progression over the study period, with odds ratios (OR) of 5.6 and 3.3 for dementia incidence and mortality, respectively.
Moreover, the study findings challenge conventional assumptions regarding the correlation between white matter indices on MRI scanning and gait abnormalities, revealing inconsistent associations. This underscores the need for simpler, more accessible tools for gait assessment in clinical settings.
Indeed, the implications of this research are profound. Simple measures of gait may serve as invaluable clinical tools, offering clinicians an additional dimension for predicting dementia onset. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the ongoing quest to uncover the underlying nature of these deficits. As enthusiastic entrepreneurs in the healthcare landscape, we’re poised to embrace this challenge, driving innovation to decipher the complexities of gait abnormalities and their implications for dementia.
In essence, this study ignites a spark of inspiration within the entrepreneurial community, signaling a call to action. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary collaborations, we can harness the potential of gait analysis to redefine the landscape of dementia detection and intervention.
Verghese, J., Derby, C., Katz, M., & Lipton, R. (2007). High risk neurological gait syndrome and vascular dementia. Journal of Neural Transmission, 114, 1249-1252. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-007-0762-0.
Assessment of body posture can be observed from several aspects:
Head tilt: Head tilt might be due to one side of the neck muscles being tighter than the other, causing the head to lean to one side. Prolonged posture like this may cause neck stiffness, pain, or headaches. Frequently checking phones or incorrect screen positions may be common reasons.
Shoulder level: Unbalanced shoulders might indicate that the muscles of one side of the shoulder or upper back are tighter. Maintaining this posture for a long time can lead to back, shoulder, or neck pain. Prolonged computer use, lifting heavy objects, or unbalanced exercise training could be common reasons.
Arm angle: Excessively bent arms might indicate overuse of the elbows or wrists, which can lead to muscle pain or stiffness. Typing, writing, or other repetitive motions for long durations might be the cause.
Ankle distance: A too small distance between the ankles might affect standing stability, increasing the risk of falls. Too large an ankle gap might result in uneven pressure distribution in the lower limbs, possibly causing leg pain.
Pelvic tilt: An imbalance in the pelvis might indicate that the muscles on one side of the buttocks or waist are tighter. This could result in lower back pain or functional disorders of the lower limbs. Incorrect sitting posture, prolonged standing on one side, or foot injuries might be common causes.
Trunk tilt angle: A forward-leaning trunk might indicate weakened back muscles, with tighter abdominal muscles. A backward-leaning trunk might indicate weakened abdominal muscles and tighter back muscles. Both situations might cause lower back pain or discomfort. Prolonged sitting, incorrect lifting techniques, or muscle imbalances could be common reasons.
After all, human observation is subjective and requires the accumulation of experience. But with the assistance of computer vision AI, details can be observed accurately, and values can be directly digitized.
Of course, the above evaluations provide some basic indications of body posture. As mentioned, to determine specific health issues or symptoms, a more in-depth clinical assessment is needed. If there are symptoms of pain or discomfort, it is recommended to consult a doctor or therapist early.
為一股作氣推進日本市場，龍骨王參加數位發展部主辦、台日產業推動中心與Global Digital MOJO協辦的Emerge Japan Premium Program，將於9月中旬赴日，於国際電気通信基礎技術研究所（ATR）接受為期一週的指導，並且與導師推薦的企業與學研單位媒合，聽聞前一屆的團隊在媒合下與筑波大學簽屬合作計畫，這讓龍骨王相當期待興奮！
Zhu, Y. Z., Lin, C. F., Yang, H. L., Jin, G., & Chiu, H. L. (2023). Effects of exergaming on cognitive functions and loneliness of older adults with cognitive frailty. International journal of geriatric psychiatry, 38(6), e5944. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.5944
龍骨王 