-Dr.Dianne McCallister, Chief Medical Officer at Porter Adventist Hospital

A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology correlates grip strength and walking speed in middle age with prediction of risk for stroke and dementia.

This study measured the grip strength and walking speed of people over the age of 62 who were healthy - as well as tests of their mental functioning.

The patients have been followed for 11 years, and during this time there were some that developed stroke, TIA and dementia.

The investigators then used statistics to relate the grip strength and walking speed at baseline with the development of stroke and dementia later.

The Findings

The findings were very statistically significant - patients with lower walking speed at baseline had a 50% greater likelihood of developing dementia than those with higher walking speeds.

Those with low grip strength did not show any difference from the general population regarding stroke - but those with better grip strength had a 42% less chance of developing a stroke or TIA.

There were also statistically significant correlations between these tests and other measures of brain function.

More Study Needed

More research will need to be done to determine why the correlation exists - but we know that those who are more active have better health in general.

We also have been aware that in the elderly, there is a correlation between frailty and dementia.

What is yet to be determined is whether the tests indicate early symptoms of developing disease - or if they are simply signs of those who are less active - and the lack of activity/strength is a risk factor for the disease.

In either case, they could become good ways to screen for those who need more testing - and possibly more intervention to help improve their strength and agility.

As patients, this once again points to the need to take good care of ourselves - physical activity now is definitely one way to improve our health - both now and as we grow older.

These tests are not standardized and ready to help predict future health in general practice - but we can expect to see more research.

Dr. McCallister is on 7NEWS at 11 a.m. every Wednesday. If you have a topic or question you would like her to discuss, email 11am@thedenverchannel.com.