Motor-ACT: Motor aspects and activities in relation to cognitive decline and brain pathologies

Motor-ACT aims to improve the possibilities for early detection of people at risk of developing cognitive decline/dementia, and contribute to the body of knowledge on how a variety of motor aspects and dual tasking relate to brain pathologies assessed by using biomarkers and brain imaging.

We will also determine how specific motor aspects evolve over time in different cohorts, including identifying predictive factors of fear of falling and activity avoidance.

The knowledge gained is expected to provide timely diagnostic and prognostic insights and highlight key components that can be addressed as preventative means.This ongoing longitudinal project includes two cohorts: 1) people with subjective cognitive decline (n=275) or mild cognitive impairment (n=275) with markers of a neurodegenerative process, and 2) cognitively healthy older people (n=300).

Core assessments include motor aspects (e.g. balance, gait, visuo-spatial navigation while walking, turning, dual tasking, and activity avoidance), cognitive functioning, biosamples and brain imaging.

Motor aspects are assessed by using patient and clinician reported outcomes, performance outcomes, an electronic walkway and wearable sensors.Time plan: Baseline assessments: 2018-2022. Two-year follow up: 2020-2024.

Four-year follow-up: 2022-2026.Research context: the strategic research area of Neuroscience (MultiPark), Centre for Ageing and Supportive Environments (CASE), Lund University, and Skane University Hospital.