3. Changes in Gait: An Overlooked Manifestation of CAA
Changes in gait, or the way a person walks, is another symptom associated with CAA. This might present as difficulty in maintaining balance, stumbling, or walking with an uneven rhythm. A person with CAA might start taking shorter steps, shuffling their feet, or experience a decreased ability to navigate turns or uneven surfaces.
The basis for these changes in gait lies in the areas of the brain affected by the amyloid-beta protein accumulation. The amyloid proteins typically build-up in the small blood vessels supplying the brain’s motor and balance centers. Over time, the compromised blood flow to these areas can lead to issues with coordination and balance, manifesting as noticeable changes in the way a person walks.
Just like other symptoms, changes in gait can also be seen in several other conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and normal pressure hydrocephalus. As such, any noticeable alterations in one’s walking pattern should warrant a consultation with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. (3)
