Study: How you walk reveals your mental health

A Canadian study revealed that walking speed may indicate dementia.

Researchers have long identified memory and perception problems as an indicator of dementia, but a new study added "walking speed" as a new indicator, according to the Canadian "CBC" website.

The study, conducted by a team of researchers at Western University in London, Canada, revealed that the decline in cognitive performance and walking speed in older adults is associated with dementia, and may indicate a three-fold risk.

The study identified the main features of those with reduced cognitive functioning and walking speed, how they were modified, and the effect of treatment on slowing them down.

These features, the researchers said, include vascular problems such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both of which are treatable and can be treated with the help of a doctor.

"My message is to see a doctor and not accept cognitive decline that is accompanied by slowed walking as if it were normal," said Richard Camichioli, professor of medicine and a member of the Institute of Neurology and Mental Health.

"There are things that must be done, whether it is exercise or addressing factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol," he added.

He continued: "I think there is a great deal of attention that is being paid to identifying people at risk, and medical intervention so that people can take better care of their health."