Öhlin J, Ahlgren A, Folkesson R, et al. - Using the Umeå85+/Gerontological Regional Database, researchers undertook a cross-sectional analysis to examine the link between global cognitive function and gait speed in a representative sample of elderly adults. They also investigated if the link was affected by dementia and walking aid use. The study sample included 1,317 people, with a mean age of 89.4 years, of whom 68% were women. Self-paced gait speed was assessed over 2.4 m, with or without walking aids. Via the Mini-Mental State Examination, global cognitive function was evaluated. In this population of elderly adults, global cognitive function seemed to be related to gait speed. However, selection bias among individuals with dementia was suggested because no link was found unless missing gait speed values were accounted for. An attenuation in cognitive load was brought about by the use of walking aid, which may not apply to walking in daily activities.