Gray matter depletion and gait speed dysfunction in the elderly: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Brain aging involves a progressive loss of volume, affecting both cognitive and motor functions. This reduction in brain tissue directly impacts movement control, generating motor dysfunctions that increase the risk of falls and limit autonomy in elderly people.

Objective: To analyze the relationship between gray matter reduction and gait speed reduction in elderly people by means of a systematic review of the literature.

Methods: Two databases were reviewed: Medline (PubMed) and Scopus, with a cut-off date of October 2024. The search terms were: (gray matter) AND (gait speed) AND (elderly OR older people OR aged). Observational studies were assessed using the Critical Appraisal Checklist scale by independent reviewers. A total of twelve studies were included.

Results: The analysis of twelve scientific articles indicates that there is a relationship between cerebral gray matter depletion and decreased gait speed in older people. The reported sample size ranged from 40 to 1112 individuals, the articles analyzed totaled 4042 individuals. All studies corresponded to observational studies, 5 cross-sectional studies, 5 cohort studies and 2 case-control studies.

Conclusion: The findings of the present study help to better understand the slowing of gait velocity, and it highlights the importance of incorporating its assessment in the clinic as it may reflect negative structural replacement at the level of the central nervous system.