Research project Higher-level gait disorders (HLGD) are potentially treatable neurological gait disorders associated with dementia, falls, low quality of life and depression. Knowledge of incidence, mortality, pathophysiology and potential treatments is therefore important.
The aim of the study is to investigate the incidence and mortality of Higher-Level Gait Disorders (HLGD) and Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (INPH; a treatable disease with HLGD as cardinal symptom), the pathophysiology behind HLGD, and biomarkers for prediction of HLGD; and whether predictive tests designed to evaluate treatment efficacy for INPH provide similar results in individuals with HLGD of unknown cause.
In the years 2018-2020 medical examinations, gait and cognitive tests, blood tests and an MRI of the brain were performed on about 1000 individuals (65-84 years). In this 8-year follow-up, the investigations will be repeated. Blood samples collected during previous health check-ups and stored in the biobank will be analyzed. A subsample will also undergo a "tap test" designed to evaluate the expected treatment efficacy of surgery for INPH. Longitudinal data regarding mortality, incidence of HLGD and INPH, novel biomarkers, pathophysiology, and predictive testing will be analyzed.
The first epidemiological study showed that 5.8% of the older population have HLGD, 3.7% meet the diagnostic criteria for INPH. Those with HLGD have poorer cognitive ability, lower quality of life and more depressive symptoms than healthy controls. Therefore, it is important with an in-depth knowledge of the condition. This study will shed light on underlying disease mechanisms, biomarkers, incidence and mortality, thereby providing healthcare professionals with support for preventive measures and selection of appropriate treatment.
