ALZHEIMER’S biomarkers were consistently associated with motor performance measures in a systematic review of 17 studies.
Researchers conducted a systematic review of studies published between 2018 and 2026 to investigate links between neurodegenerative and inflammatory biomarkers and motor outcomes.
Data were gathered from 17 eligible studies examining participants across the Alzheimer’s disease continuum, including individuals with mild cognitive impairment, motoric cognitive risk syndrome, cognitive complaints, and cognitively unimpaired older adults at risk of dementia.
The review identified several biomarkers that showed consistent relationships with motor decline.
Lower cerebrospinal fluid amyloid beta 42 (Aβ42) concentrations were associated with slower gait speed, poorer balance, impaired mobility, and worse performance on mobility assessments.
Tau-related biomarkers, including phosphorylated tau (p-tau), phosphorylated tau 181 (p-tau181), phosphorylated tau 217 (p-tau217), and total tau (t-tau), were linked to mobility impairment, reduced physical function, and poorer dual task performance.
Among the biomarkers examined, neurofilament light chain (NfL) demonstrated particularly consistent associations with physical decline.
Higher NfL concentrations were linked to poorer performance on the Short Physical Performance Battery, slower gait speed, and lower grip strength across several studies.
Longitudinal evidence also suggested that elevated p-tau181, p-tau217, and NfL levels were associated with accelerated motor decline and combined cognitive motor deterioration over time.
These findings were observed not only in people with cognitive impairment but also in cognitively unimpaired older adults.
Whereas inflammatory biomarkers showed less consistent relationships with motor outcomes.
Only one study identified a significant association between serum interleukin 8 and mobility performance, while other inflammatory markers demonstrated limited evidence of a connection with motor function.
The authors concluded that neurodegenerative biomarkers were consistently associated with motor dysfunction across the Alzheimer’s disease continuum.
Associations were strongest for Aβ42, tau-related biomarkers, and NfL, particularly with regard to gait, mobility, balance, and physical performance.
Importantly, the review highlighted growing evidence that motor changes may occur before measurable cognitive decline.
According to the researchers, this observation supports the potential use of motor performance assessments alongside biomarker evaluation as early indicators of neurodegeneration.
The findings also underscore the need for further longitudinal research to determine whether motor impairment can serve as a reliable early clinical marker for Alzheimer’s disease progression.
Reference
Serna MF et al. Motor performance and its association with Alzheimer’s-related biomarkers: a systematic review. Neurol Sci. 2026;DOI:10.1007/s10072-026-09253-4
Featured image: LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS on Adobe Stock
Each article is made available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 License.
