A systematic review and meta‐analysis of dual‐task outcomes in subjective cognitive decline

Abstract Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) may represent a preclinical manifestation of objective cognitive impairment. This review consolidated existing findings to determine if dual‐tasks objectively differentiate between individuals with SCD, motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), mild cognitive...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Talia Salzman, Erica Laurin, Chloe Thibault, Peter Farrell, Sarah Fraser
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-01-01
Series:Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/dad2.70054
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Summary:Abstract Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) may represent a preclinical manifestation of objective cognitive impairment. This review consolidated existing findings to determine if dual‐tasks objectively differentiate between individuals with SCD, motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, AgeLine, and CINAHL were systematically searched for dual‐task studies examining older adults with SCD and analyzed using random‐effects meta‐analyses. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Within the SCD group, faster gait speed (SMD, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.57–2.13; p = .0007) and longer step length (SMD, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.44–1.26; p < .0001) favored the single compared to dual‐task condition. Faster gait speed was observed in the SCD group compared to MCI (SMD, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.28–0.67; p = .0001). A standardized dual‐task approach is needed to track gait parameters longitudinally, beginning with changes occurring at the SCD stage as these may precede future cognitive impairments. Highlights Evidence demonstrates that SCD may be a precursor to dementia. Faster dual‐task gait speed was observed in the SCD group compared to MCI. Slower dual‐task gait speed and shorter step length were observed within the SCD group. Dual‐tasks may help differentiate between preclinical and clinical cognitive decline. Dual‐tasks should be standardized and changes should be tracked longitudinally.
ISSN:2352-8729