A recent study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health suggests that sensory and motor skill testing can help predict an individual’s risk of cognitive decline up to 10 years in advance.
The study, which involved testing around 1,500 Gen X and baby boomer participants, included assessments of sensory and motor function, vascular health, cognitive function, and demographic and behavioral factors.
Participants, who had an average age of 49 at the start of the study, were reassessed five and 10 years later. The results of the sensory and motor skill tests were compared to existing prediction scores for cardiovascular risk and dementia incidence.
Lead researcher Natascha Merten believes that incorporating sensory and motor function tests into prediction models could improve early identification of individuals at risk for cognitive decline. These non-invasive and cost-effective tests could help target high-risk individuals for intervention and prevention strategies.
The study’s findings aim to contribute to the identification of early markers and modifiable factors for promoting healthy brain aging. Ongoing research from the same team is building on these results to further advance our understanding of cognitive decline and prevention strategies.
