As populations age, the number of people living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease is expected to increase substantially, placing pressure on healthcare systems worldwide. MCI is often considered the transitional stage between normal ageing and dementia, as people with MCI are at a greater risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s. Identifying people at a higher risk before significant cognitive decline is an important public health priority. New research by Amal Wanigatunga and colleagues, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, suggests that a combination of everyday physical and sensory abilities, such as walking speed, balance, hearing, and smell, among others, could serve as an early indicator of cognitive decline. This broader assessment could improve the early detection of people at risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
According to GlobalData’s epidemiology forecast, cases of MCI and Alzheimer’s are expected to increase from approximately 17.8 and 6.1 million diagnosed prevalent cases in 2025 to 26 million and 8.9 million cases by 2033, respectively. In light of the growing burden of MCI and Alzheimer’s, even a modest improvement in early detection could have a substantial impact on population health. As life expectancy increases and populations age, the number of people requiring monitoring and treatment for cognitive decline is expected to increase. Wanigatunga and colleagues developed a new sensorimotor score combining six common tests—hearing, vision, smell, balance, walking speed, and grip strength—that predicted MCI better than individual sensory or motor measures alone. This suggests that looking at overall sensorimotor health provides a more complete picture of cognitive skills. This study is an important starting point; however, further research needs to be done to determine whether sensorimotor decline precedes MCI or if it occurs alongside it.
Access deeper industry intelligence
Experience unmatched clarity with a single platform that combines unique data, AI, and human expertise.
Although the findings do not establish that declines in sensorimotor function cause cognitive impairment, they provide compelling evidence that physical and sensory health may serve as early markers for cognitive decline. By demonstrating that a combination of simple tests is more strongly associated with MCI than individual measures alone, this study offers a new direction for future research. If longitudinal studies confirm that sensorimotor decline occurs before MCI, these assessments could be valuable tools to incorporate into routine screenings, enabling earlier intervention. As the global burden of MCI and Alzheimer’s is expected to increase, practical and accessible approaches to detect people at risk could help reduce the long-term impact of MCI and Alzheimer’s.
