Gait speed and neurocognitive disorders: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

Khodabakhshi H, Rashedi V, Sharifi F, Foroughan M

Journal of diabetes and metabolic disorders · December 1, 2026

Gait reflects cognitive function and may serve as a window into cognitive health. This study investigates the relationship between gait speed (GS) and the onset of cognitive impairments. A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort and longitudinal studies from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (up to July 2024) was conducted. Hazard ratios (HR) were analyzed using R software. Forty studies were included. Slow GS showed an HR of 1.47 (1.19-1.82) for dementia risk. A GS decrement of ≥0.05 m/s resulted in an HR of 2.01 (1.34-3.01). A faster baseline GS was not significantly associated with a reduced risk of dementia (HR 0.97, 0.94-1.01). Subjective GS decrement displayed an HR of 1.74 (1.61-1.87). Declining GS and slower gait performance are significant factors for cognitive impairment. GS may serve as an early indicator for neurocognitive disorders. Regular GS assessments should be embedded into screening programs for older adults to help mitigate cognitive decline. The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s40200-026-02073-5.

PMID: 42732227 · DOI: 10.1007/s40200-026-02073-5