Evaluation of MCI Motor Performances during a Cognitive Dual Task Exercise

The increased level of interdisciplinarity, in the field of neuropsychology, has led to the shift from the idea that walking represents an automatic and simple gesture, to the notion that it is a complex task involving several cognitive abilities. This appraisal occurred by the increased use of Cognitive and Motor Dual-Task paradigms, and by the growing interest in quantitative gait analysis. In this framework, we aim to investigate the relationship between cognition and motor skills, and to apply insights gathered from this study to the diagnostic process of Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment. Here it is proposed an innovative technological tool able to quantify gait parameters while providing for a Motor and Cognitive Dual-Task. The results of this research show a significant statistical difference between subjects suffering from Mild Cognitive Impairment with and without planning deficits.