Overview
A recent study found that people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may face unique challenges with "path navigation," or navigating turns when walking, suggesting that such symptoms may be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease and not simply a sign of normal aging.“”
“Spatial navigation depends on the parietal lobes of the brain, which are in the rear half of the brain and are in the region where [Alzheimer's] often strikes first."
– Sandra Bond Chapman, PhD
Dr. Chapman adds that keeping the brain stimulated can help to mitigate some negative effects of the disease. Although unlikely to impact the trajectory of the disease, further research into navigational skills could help develop methods for patients maintain better physical orientation while navigating their environment. Read the full article in Everyday Health