Problems walking including slow gait and a short stride are associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline, Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered. Alzheimer disease course is divided into four stages, with progressive patterns of cognitive and functional impairments. Their findings are being presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference July 14–19 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Researchers measured the stride length, cadence and velocity of more than 1,341 participants through a computerized gait instrument at two or more visits roughly 15 months apart. Researchers found that study participants with lower cadence, velocity and length of stride experienced significantly larger declines in global cognition, memory and executive function.