Natalia del Campo, PhD, and her team of researchers from France’s Gerontopole and the Center of Excellence in Neurodegeneration of Toulouse have hypothesized that slower walking speed may be linked to people with Alzheimer’s. Research suggests that there may be a correlation to the amount of amyloid plaque people with Alzheimer’s have built up in their brains. When the researchers compared how fast people walked both with and without considering the amount of amyloid, the researchers found that the amyloid level made up for up to 9% of the difference in walking speed. Del Campo shared, “It’s possible that having subtle walking disturbances in addition to memory concerns may signal Alzheimer’s disease, even before people show any clinical symptoms.”
When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Robert J. Kaplan of Twin Rivers Podiatry Easton. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Systemic Diseases of the Feet
Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.
Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.
Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.
Diabetes of the Feet
Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.
Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Easton, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.