Study: How You Walk Could Be An Early Sign Of Alzheimer's

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --  Walking slowly and not being in good shape could be an early indication of Alzheimer's disease, according to new research.

"This study builds on existing data that it pays to be fit," said Dr. Thomas Wisniewski, director of NYU's Langone Center for Cognitive Neurology.

The study, published in the journal Neurology, found a connection between *slow* walking speed in the elderly and the amount of amyloid protein built up in their brains.

That build-up has been associated with the development of Alzheimer's.

Researchers say a slow gait could signal the possibility of Alzheimer's before people show clinical symptoms, but not always.

"There are so many causes of being a slow walker which really have nothing to do with brain function," Wisniewski explained.

Doctors say that staying active physically and mentally is known to help prevent Alzheimer's.