Cognitive functioning and falls in older people: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To identify which cognitive functions and specific neuropsychological assessments predict falls in older people living in the community.

METHODS

Five electronic databases were searched until 30/08/2022 for studies assessing the association between specific cognitive functions and faller status (prospective and retrospective), in community-dwelling older people. Risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analyses synthesised the evidence regarding the associations between different neurocognitive subdomains and faller status.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight studies (20 retrospective, 18 prospective) involving 37,101 participants were included. All but one study was rated high or medium quality. Meta-analyses were performed with data from 28 studies across 11 neurocognitive subdomains and four specific neuropsychological tests. Poor cognitive flexibility, processing speed, free recall, working memory and sustained attention were significantly associated with faller status, but poor verbal fluency, visual perception, recognition memory, visuo-constructional reasoning and language were not. The Trail Making Test B was found to have the strongest association with faller status.

CONCLUSION

Poor performance in neurocognitive subdomains spanning processing speed, attention, executive function and aspects of memory are associated with falls in older people, albeit with small effect sizes. The Trail Making Test, a free-to-use, simple assessment of processing speed and mental flexibility, is recommended as the cognitive screening test for fall risk in older people.

Effect of cognitive training on cognitive function in community-dwelling older people with mild-to-moderate dementia: A single-blind randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial was to determine the effect of computerised cognitive training (CT) on executive function, processing speed and working memory in 61 people with mild-to-moderate dementia.

METHODS

The primary outcomes were forward Digit Span and Trail Making Tests (TMT) at the completion of the 6-month intervention. Secondary outcomes included cognitive and physical performance, rate of falls, participant and caregiver's quality of life and usability and adherence to the CT program. The study was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12617000364370).

RESULTS

Intervention group (n = 31) participants averaged 81 min of CT per week, and system usability scores were acceptable (participants: 68.8 ± 22.1; caregivers: 79.4 ± 23.5). There were no statistically significant differences in cognitive or physical performance outcomes between the intervention and control groups at 6- or 12-months (between-group differences [95% CI] for primary outcomes at 6-months: Forward Digit Span -0.3 [-0.8, 0.3]; TMT-A 2.7 s [-14.1, 19.5]; TMT-B -17.1 s [-79.3, 45.2]). At the 12-month follow-up reassessment, the intervention group reported significantly more depressive symptoms and had lower caregiver-rated participant quality of life and higher caregiver quality of life compared to control.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed no benefit of the CT program on working memory, processing speed and executive function. Future studies are required to better understand how CT can be used to improve cognitive and physical functioning in older people with mild-moderate dementia.

The prediction model of fall risk for the elderly based on gait analysis

INTRODUCTION

Early screening and identification are crucial for fall prevention, and developing a new method to predict fall risk in the elderly can address the current lack of objectivity in assessment tools.

METHODS

A total of 132 elderly individuals over 80 years old residing in some nursing homes in Shanghai were selected using a convenient sampling method. Fall history information was collected, and gait data during a 10-meter walk were recorded. Logistic regression was employed to establish the prediction model, and a nomogram was used to assess the importance of the indicators. The Bootstrap method was utilized for internal validation of the model, while the verification set was used for external validation. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using the area under the ROC curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) to assess clinical benefits.

RESULTS

The incidence of falls in the sample population was 36.4%. The Tinetti Gait and Balance Test (TGBT) score (OR = 0.832, 95% CI: 0.734,0.944), stride length (OR = 0.007, 95% CI: 0.000,0.104), difference in standing time (OR = 0.001, 95% CI: 0.000,0.742), and mean stride time (OR = 0.992, 95% CI:0.984,1.000) were identified as significant factors. The area under the ROC curve was 0.878 (95% CI: 0.805, 0.952), with a sensitivity of 0.935 and specificity of 0.726. The Brier score was 0.135, and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (χ2 = 10.650, P = 0.222) indicated a good fit and calibration of the model.

CONCLUSION

The TGBT score, stride length, difference in standing time, and stride time are all protective factors associated with fall risk among the elderly. The developed risk prediction model demonstrates good discrimination and calibration, providing valuable insights for early screening and intervention in fall risk among older adults.

The Ability of Physical Performance Measures to Identify Fall Risk in Older Adults Living With Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether physical performance measures commonly used in clinical settings can discriminate fallers from nonfallers and predict falls in older adults with dementia.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Older adults with dementia residing in the community, hospitals, and residential care facilities.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, the Cochrane Library, and the PEDro databases were searched from inception until December 27, 2023 (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022303670). Retrospective or prospective studies that evaluated the associations between physical performance measures and falls in older adults with dementia were included. A random effects model was used to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% CI for each physical performance measure between fallers and nonfallers. Sensitivity analyses were conducted on the longitudinal studies to determine the ability of physical performance measures to predict future falls.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies were included in this review (n = 3542). The 5-time chair stand test [SMD = 0.23 (0.01, 0.45)], the Berg Balance Scale [SMD = -0.52 (-0.87, -0.17)], postural sway when standing on the floor [SMD = 0.25 (0.07, 0.43)] and on a foam surface [SMD = 0.45 (0.25, 0.66)], and the Short Physical Performance Battery total score [SMD = -0.46 (-0.66, -0.27)] could discriminate fallers from nonfallers. Sensitivity analyses showed that gait speed could predict future falls in longitudinal cohort studies [SMD = -0.29 (-0.49, -0.08)]. Subgroup analyses showed that gait speed [SMD = -0.21 (-0.38, -0.05)] and the Timed Up and Go test [SMD = 0.54 (0.16, 0.92)] could identify fallers staying in residential care facilities or hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The 5-time chair stand test, the Berg Balance Scale, postural sway when standing on the floor and a foam surface, and the Short Physical Performance Battery can be used to predict falls in older adults with dementia. Gait speed and the Timed Up and Go test can be used to predict falls in institutionalized older adults with dementia. Clinicians are recommended to use these physical performance measures to assess fall risk in older adults with dementia.

A study on the falls factors among the older adult with cognitive impairment based on large-sample data

Introduction

This study explored the correlative factors of falls among the older adult with cognitive impairment, to provide distinct evidence for preventing falls in the older adult with cognitive impairment compared with the general older adult population.

Methods

This study was based on a cross-sectional survey, with an older adult population of 124,124 was included. The data was sourced from the Elderly Care Unified Needs Assessment for Long-Term Care Insurance in Shanghai. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted sequentially on the correlative factors of falls. Multivariable logistic regression was performed on variables that were significant, stratified by cognitive function levels.

Results

The incidence of fall in the past 90 days was 17.67% in this study. Specific variables such as gender (male), advanced age (≥80), residence with a elevator (or lift), mild or moderate disability, quality of sleep (acceptable/poor) were negatively correlated with falls, while higher education level, living alone, residence with indoor steps, unclean and untidy living environment, MCI or dementia, chronic diseases, restricted joints, impaired vision, and the use of diaper were positively correlative factors of falls. Comparing with older adult with normal cognitive functions, older adult with dementia faced a higher risk of falling due to accessibility barrier in the residence. For general older adults, less frequency of going outside and poor social interactions were positively correlated with falls, while for older adult with cognitive impairments, going outside moderately (sometimes) was found positively correlated with falls. Older adults with cognitive impairments have increased fall risks associated with chronic diseases, restricted joints, and the use of diaper. The risk of falling escalated with the greater number of chronic diseases.

Discussion

For older adult with cognitive impairments, it is advisable to live with others. Additionally, creating an accessible living environment and maintaining the cleanness and tidiness can effectively reduce the risk of falls, particularly for those with MCI or dementia. Optimal outdoor activity plans should be developed separately based on the cognitive function of older adults. Older adult with dementia who have comorbidities should be paid special attention in fall prevention compared to the general older adult population.

Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome as a Predictor of Adverse Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is a newly proposed pre-dementia syndrome characterized by subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) and slow gait (SG). Increasing evidence links MCR to several adverse health outcomes, but the specific relationship between MCR and the risk of frailty, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD) remains unclear. Additionally, literature lacks analysis of MCR's components and associated health outcomes, complicating risk identification. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of MCR's predictive value for adverse health outcomes.

METHODS

Relevant cross-sectional, cohort, and longitudinal studies examining the association between MCR and adverse health outcomes were extracted from ten electronic databases. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and modified NOS were used to assess the risk of bias in studies included in the analysis. Relative ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled for outcomes associated with MCR.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight longitudinal or cohort studies and four cross-sectional studies with 1,224,569 participants were included in the final analysis. The risk of bias in all included studies was rated as low or moderate. Pooled analysis of RR indicated that MCR had a greater probability of increased the risk of dementia (adjusted RR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.94-2.11), cognitive impairment (adjusted RR = 1.72; 95% CI = 1.49-1.99), falls (adjusted RR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.17-1.50), mortality (adjusted RR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.32-2.10), and hospitalization (adjusted RR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.16-1.84); MCR had more prominent predictive efficacy for AD (adjusted RR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.81-2.76) compared to VaD (adjusted RR = 3.78; 95% CI = 0.49-28.95), while excluding analyses from the study that utilized the timed-up-and-go test and one-leg-standing to evaluate gait speed. One study examined the association between MCR and disability (hazard ratios [HR] = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.08-2.02) and frailty (OR = 5.53; 95% CI = 1.46-20.89). SG was a stronger predictor of the risk for dementia and falls than SCC (adjusted RR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.11-1.34 vs. adjusted RR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.03-1.38).

CONCLUSION

MCR increases the risk of developing any discussed adverse health outcomes, and the predictive value for AD is superior to VaD. Additionally, SG is a stronger predictor of dementia and falls than SCC. Therefore, MCR should be routinely assessed among adults to prevent poor prognosis and provide evidence to support future targeted interventions.

Impaired Standing Balance in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment after a Severe Fall

INTRODUCTION

Fall-related sequelae as well as balance and gait impairments are more pronounced in older adults who are cognitively impaired (OACI) compared to older adults who are cognitively healthy (OACH). Evidence is scarce about differences in standing balance and gait in OACH and OACI after a fall, even though these are major risks for recurrent falls. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate early impairments in gait and balance, by adding inertial measurement units (IMUs) to a functional performance test in OACH and OACI after a severe fall with a presentation to the emergency department (ED) and immediate discharge.

METHODS

The study sample was stratified into participants with and without probable cognitive impairment using the result of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment total score (maximum of 30 points). The cutoff for probable cognitive impairment was set at ≤ 24. Standing balance and gait parameters were measured using three IMUs in n = 69 OACH (72.0 ± 8.2 years) and n = 76 OACI (78.7 ± 8.1 years). Data were collected at participants' homes as part of a comprehensive geriatric assessment in the "SeFallED" study within 4 weeks after presentation to the ED after a severe fall (German Clinical Trials Register ID: 00025949). ANCOVA was used for statistical analysis, adjusted for age.

RESULTS

The data indicated significantly more sway for OACI compared to OACH during balance tasks, whereas no differences in gait behavior were found. In detail, differences in standing balance were revealed for mean velocity (m/s) during parallel stance with eyes open (ηp2 = 0.190, p < 0.001) and eyes closed on a balance cushion (ηp2 = 0.059, p = 0.029), as well as during tandem stance (ηp2 = 0.034, p = 0.044) between OACI and OACH. Further differences between the two groups were detected for path length (m/s2) during parallel stance with eyes open (ηp2 = 0.144, p < 0.001) and eyes closed (ηp2 = 0.044, p < 0.027) and for range (m/s2) during tandem (ηp2 = 0.036, p = 0.036) and parallel stance with eyes closed (ηp2 = 0.045, p = 0.032).

CONCLUSION

Even though both groups have experienced a severe fall with presentation to the ED in the preceding 4 weeks, balance control among OACI indicated a higher fall risk than among OACH. Therefore, effective secondary fall prevention efforts have to be established, particularly for OACI.

Long-term antipsychotic use, orthostatic hypotension and falls in older adults with Alzheimer's disease

PURPOSE

Antipsychotic use in Alzheimer disease (AD) is associated with adverse events and mortality. Whilst postulated to cause/exacerbate orthostatic hypotension (OH), the exact relationship between antipsychotic use and OH has never been explored in AD-a group who are particularly vulnerable to neuro-cardiovascular instability and adverse effects of medication on orthostatic blood pressure (BP) behaviour.

METHODS

We analysed longitudinal data from an 18-month trial of Nilvadipine in mild-moderate AD. We assessed the effect of long-term antipsychotic use (for the entire 18-month study duration) on orthostatic BP phenotypes measured on eight occasions, in addition to the relationship between antipsychotic use, BP phenotypes and incident falls.

RESULTS

Of 509 older adults with AD (aged 72.9 ± 8.3 years, 61.9% female), 10.6% (n = 54) were prescribed a long-term antipsychotic. Over 18 months, long-term antipsychotic use was associated with a greater likelihood of experiencing sit-to-stand OH (ssOH) (OR: 1.21; 1.05-1.38, p = 0.009) which persisted on covariate adjustment. Following adjustment for important clinical confounders, both antipsychotic use (IRR: 1.80, 1.11-2.92, p = 0.018) and ssOH (IRR: 1.44, 1.00-2.06, p = 0.048) were associated with a greater risk of falls/syncope over 18 months in older adults with mild-moderate AD.

CONCLUSION

Even in mild-to-moderate AD, long-term antipsychotic use was associated with ssOH. Both antipsychotic use and ssOH were associated with a greater risk of incident falls/syncope over 18 months. Further attention to optimal prescribing interventions in this cohort is warranted and may involve screening older adults with AD prescribed antipsychotics for both orthostatic symptoms and falls.

Digital technologies to prevent falls in people living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment: a rapid systematic overview of systematic reviews

OBJECTIVE

Falls are a common cause of potentially preventable death, disability and loss of independence with an annual estimated cost of £4.4bn. People living with dementia (PlwD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have an increased fall risk. This overview evaluates evidence for technologies aiming to reduce falls and fall risk for PlwD or MCI.

METHODS

In October 2022, we searched five databases for evidence syntheses. We used standard methods to rapidly screen, extract data, assess risk of bias and overlap, and synthesise the evidence for each technology type.

RESULTS

We included seven systematic reviews, incorporating 22 relevant primary studies with 1,412 unique participants. All reviews had critical flaws on AMSTAR-2: constituent primary studies were small, heterogeneous, mostly non-randomised and assessed as low or moderate quality. Technologies assessed were: wearable sensors, environmental sensor-based systems, exergaming, virtual reality systems. We found no evidence relating to apps. Review evidence for the direct impact on falls was available only from environmental sensors, and this was inconclusive. For wearables and virtual reality technologies there was evidence that technologies may differentiate PlwD who fell from those who did not; and for exergaming that balance may be improved.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence for technology to reduce falls and falls risk for PlwD and MCI is methodologically weak, based on small numbers of participants and often indirect. There is a need for higher-quality RCTs to provide robust evidence for effectiveness of fall prevention technologies. Such technologies should be designed with input from users and consideration of the wider implementation context.

The Impact of Misaligned Perceived and Objective Fall Risk in Cognitively Impaired Older People

Background

Cognitive impairment (CI) may impair the ability to accurately perceive physical capacity and fall risk.

Objective

We investigated perceived (measured as concern about falls) and physiological fall risk in community-dwelling older people with CI, the characteristics of the aligned and misaligned groups and the impact of misaligned perceptions on falls.

Methods

Participants (n= 293) with mild-moderate CI were classified into four groups based on validated physiological and perceived fall risk assessments: 1) vigorous: low perceived and physiological fall risk; 2) anxious: high perceived and low physiological fall risk; 3) unaware: low perceived and high physiological fall risk; and 4) aware: high perceived and physiological fall risk. Groups were compared with respect to neuropsychological and physical function, activity and quality of life measures, and prospective falls (12-months).

Results

The anxious (IRR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.02-2.84), unaware (IRR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.22-3.26), and aware (IRR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.67-3.84) groups had significantly higher fall rates than the vigorous group but fall rates did not significantly differ among these groups. Compared with the vigorous group: the anxious group had higher depression scores and reduced mobility and quality of life; the unaware group had poorer global cognition, executive function and mobility and lower physical activity levels; and the aware group had an increased prevalence of multiple physical and cognitive fall risk factors.

Conclusions

Fall rates were increased in participants who had increased perceived and/or physiological fall risk. Contrasting fall risk patterns were evident in those who under- and over-estimated their fall risk. Understanding these characteristics will help guide fall risk assessment and prevention strategies in community-dwelling older people with CI.

Associations between psychotropic and anti-dementia medication use and falls in community-dwelling older adults with cognitive impairment

OBJECTIVES

Evidence for effective fall prevention strategies is limited for people with cognitive impairment. Understanding what factors contribute to fall risk identifies potential intervention strategies. We aimed to determine if psychotropic and anti-dementia medication use are associated with falls in community-dwelling older people with mild-moderate cognitive impairment and dementia.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of an RCT (i-FOCIS).

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

309 community-dwelling people with mild to moderate cognitive impairment or dementia from Sydney, Australia.

METHODS

Demographic information, medical history, and medication use were collected at baseline and participants were followed up for 1-year for falls using monthly calendars and ancillary telephone falls.

RESULTS

Psychotropic medication use was associated with an increased rate of falls (IRR 1.41, 95%CI 1.03, 1.93) and slower gait speed, poor balance and reduced lower limb function when adjusting for age, sex, education and cognition, as well as RCT group allocation when examining prospective falls. Antidepressants use increased the rate of falls in a similarly adjusted model (IRR 1.54, 95%CI 1.10, 2.15), but when additionally adjusting for depressive symptoms, antidepressant use was no longer significantly associated with falls while depressive symptoms was. Anti-dementia medication use was not associated with rate of falls.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychotropic medication use increases fall risk, and anti-dementia medication does not reduce fall risk in older adults with cognitive impairment. Effective management of depressive symptoms, potentially with non-pharmacological approaches, is needed to prevent falls in this population. Research is also required to ascertain the risks/benefits of withdrawing psychotropic medications, particularly in relation to depressive symptoms.

Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis between Physical Frailty, Cognitive Function, and Falls by Sex

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the reciprocal longitudinal relationships between physical frailty (PF), cognitive function (CF), and falls among community-dwelling older adults, according to sex. The study proposed hypotheses that present PF and CF will affect the occurrence of falls 2 years later.

DESIGN

Secondary data analysis using the first (T1, 2016-2017) and second (T2, 2018-2019) waves of the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study (KFACS).

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 2318 community-dwelling older adults aged 70-84 years in South Korea; mean (SD) age: 75.72 (3.83) years; 47.7% men.

METHODS

PF and CF were measured with the modified version of the Fried Frailty Phenotype and the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination, respectively. The number of falls were assessed. Multigroup cross-lagged panel analysis was used.

RESULTS

The results showed that relationships between PF, CF, and falls were maintained over time through an autoregressive effect. PF at T1 had a statistically significant longitudinal relationship with fall experience at T2 [standardized regression coefficient (β) = 0.087, 95% CI 0.045-0.129; P < .001], and fall experience at T1 had a significant longitudinal relationship with PF at T2 (β = 0.041, 95% CI 0.006-0.076; P = .020). There was no statistically significant relationship between CF and fall experience. PF and CF had statistically significant reciprocal longitudinal relationships (all P < .001). Based on sex, there was a statistically significant longitudinal relationship between fall experience at T1 and PF at T2 for men only (β = 0.063, 95% CI 0.012-0.114; P = .015).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Findings highlight that health care providers should plan fall prevention programs through early intervention for PF improvement along with improvement and maintenance of CF. Specifically, even if older men are currently healthy and have a low risk of falls, it is important to prevent future fatal PF through prior interventions, such as risk activities attention and concerns about falls.

Promoting Activity, Independence, and Stability in Early Dementia and mild cognitive impairment (PrAISED): randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of an exercise and functional activity therapy intervention in adults with early dementia or mild cognitive impairment compared with usual care.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Participants' homes and communities at five sites in the United Kingdom.

PARTICIPANTS

365 adults with early dementia or mild cognitive impairment who were living at home, and family members or carers.

INTERVENTION

The intervention, Promoting activity, Independence, and Stability in Early Dementia and mild cognitive impairment (PrAISED), was a specially designed, dementia specific, rehabilitation programme focusing on strength, balance, physical activity, and performance of activities of daily living, which was tailored and progressive and addressed risk and the psychological needs of people with dementia. Up to 50 therapy sessions were provided over 12 months. The control group received usual care plus a falls risk assessment. Procedures were adapted during the covid-19 pandemic.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was score on the carer (informant) reported disability assessment for dementia scale 12 months after randomisation. Secondary outcomes were self-reported activities of daily living, physical activity, quality of life, balance, functional mobility, fear of falling, frailty, cognition, mood, carer strain, service use at 12 months, and falls between months 4 and 15.

RESULTS

365 patient participants were randomised, 183 to intervention and 182 to control. The median age of participants was 80 years (range 65-95), median Montreal cognitive assessment score was 20 out of 30 (range 13-26), and 58% (n=210) were men. Intervention participants received a median of 31 therapy sessions (interquartile range 22-40) and reported completing a mean 121 minutes of PrAISED exercise each week. Primary outcome data were available for 149 intervention and 141 control participants. Scores on the disability assessment for dementia scale did not differ between groups: adjusted mean difference -1.3, 95% confidence interval -5.2 to 2.6; Cohen's d effect size -0.06, 95% confidence interval -0.26 to 0.15; P=0.51). Upper 95% confidence intervals excluded small to moderate effects on any of the range of outcome measures. Between months 4 and 15 the intervention group experienced 79 falls and the control group 200 falls (adjusted incidence rate ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.5 to 1.3; P=0.3).

CONCLUSION

The intensive PrAISED programme of exercise and functional activity training did not improve activities of daily living, physical activity, or quality of life; reduce falls; or improve any other secondary health status outcomes, despite good uptake. Future research should consider alternative approaches to maintaining ability and wellbeing in people with dementia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN15320670.

Factors Associated With Physical Activity in Hospitalized Patients With Dementia

Older adults continue to spend little time engaged in physical activity when hospitalized. The purpose of this study was to (a) describe activity among hospitalized older adults with dementia and (b) identify the association between specific factors (gender, ambulation independence, comorbidities, race, and hospital setting) and their physical activity. This descriptive study utilized baseline data on the first 79 participants from the Function Focused Care for Acute Care using the Evidence Integration Triangle. Multiple linear regression models were run using accelerometry data from the first full day of hospitalization. The participants spent an average of 83.7% of their time being sedentary. Male gender, ambulation independence, and hospital setting (the hospital in which the patient was admitted) were associated with greater activity. This study reports on the limited time spent in activity for older adults with dementia when hospitalized and highlights patient profiles that are particularly vulnerable to sedentary behavior in the hospital setting.

Predictors of falls in older adults with and without dementia

INTRODUCTION

Persons living with, versus without, dementia (PLWD) have heightened fall-risk. Little is known about whether fall-risk factors differ by dementia status.

METHODS

Using the 2015 and 2016 National Health and Aging Trends Study, we prospectively identified fall-risk factors over a 12-month period among community-living older adults ≥65 years with and without dementia (n = 5581).

RESULTS

Fall rates were higher among PLWD compared to persons without dementia (45.5% vs. 30.9%). In a multivariable model including sociodemographic, health, function, and environmental characteristics as predictors, vision impairment (OR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.12-4.40), and living with a spouse versus alone (OR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.09-5.43) predicted falls among PLWD, but not among persons without dementia. History of previous falls predicted subsequent falls regardless of dementia status (OR: 6.20, 95% CI: 3.81-10.09, and OR: 2.92, 95% CI: 2.50-3.40, respectively).

DISCUSSION

Incorporating appropriate fall-risk factors could inform effective falls screening and prevention strategies for PLWD.

HIGHLIGHTS

46% of persons with dementia had ≥1 falls versus 31% of those without dementia in 2016. Vision impairment and living with a spouse predicted falls in persons with dementia. Study results support tailored fall prevention strategies for persons with dementia.

Can vigilance predict the status of safe functional gait and risk of falls in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders? A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Peripheral vestibular disorders except from reflexes dysfunction correspond also to cognitive decline. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to a) identify correlations among variables of functional gait, cognitive function, and perceived dizziness and b) explore variables that could be used as prognostic factors of functional gait in people with peripheral vestibular deficits.

METHODS

We recruited 154 people with peripheral vestibular deficits. The participants presented with moderate disability in terms of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory questionnaire (mean: 48.00, 95% confidence interval: 45.24-50.75), deficits in the Functional Gait Assessment test (mean: 22.75, 95% confidence interval: 22.13-23.40) and indication of mild cognitive impairment based on Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool (mean: 25.18, 95% confidence interval: 24.75-25.60).

RESULTS

Statistically significant correlations found among functional gait and gender, age, educational level, perceived level of disability and the total score of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool. Several components of the cognitive screening test (executive function, vigilance, language skills, verbal fluency) also correlated statistically significant with functional gait. Linear regression models revealed that age, perceived level of disability and vigilance significantly predicted functional gait variability (R² = 0.350; p < 0.001) as well as high risk of falling, as indicated by a score on Functional Gait Assessment test <22/30 (R² = 0.380).

CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive impairments affect functional gait in people with peripheral vestibular disorders. Thus, the integration of cognitive functional assessment must be considered as a prerequisite for functional assessment and designing rehabilitation programs that will include dual task training.

Relationship between consistent subjective cognitive decline and occurrence of falls six months later

PURPOSE

To examine the association between consistent subjective cognitive decline and fall occurrence six months later.

METHOD

A cohort study was conducted at two time points in community-dwelling older adults. The first survey was conducted from May to July 2020 and the second from November 2020 to January 2021. Older adults without missing data who had not fallen during the past year were analyzed. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data, a questionnaire for medical checkup of older adults, and a frailty screening index. We divided the participants into three groups according to the occurrence of subjective cognitive decline (SCD): 1) no SCD (did not complain of SCD at both time points), 2) unstable SCD (complained of SCD once), and 3) consecutive SCD (consistently complained of SCD). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between fall occurrence and SCD. Fall occurrences were obtained from the second survey.

RESULTS

In total, 322 participants were included in the analysis. The numbers of patients with no SCD, unstable SCD, and consecutive SCD were 226 (70.2%), 61 (19.0%), and 35 (10.9%), respectively. In the second survey, the number of falls was 26 (8.1%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that consecutive SCD was associated with fall occurrence, even after adjusting for age, sex, comorbidity, cohabitants, and frailty status (OR:3.143, 95% CI:1.076-9.388); however, unstable SCD was not (OR:2.348, 95% CI:0.816-6.468).

CONCLUSION

Consistent complaints of SCD were associated with the occurrence of falls. We highlighted the importance of evaluating SCD over time when considering falls.

The Effect of Exercise on Falls in People Living with Dementia: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

People living with dementia (PWD) are at a heightened risk for falls. However, the effects of exercise on falls in PWD are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the efficacy of exercise to reduce falls, recurrent falls, and injurious falls relative to usual care among PWD.

METHODS

We included peer-reviewed RCTs evaluating any exercise mode on falls and related injuries among medically diagnosed PWD aged ≥55years (international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) ID:CRD42021254637). We excluded studies that did not solely involve PWD and were not the primary publication examining falls. We searched the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group's Specialized Register and grey literature on 08/19/2020 and 04/11/2022; topical categories included dementia, exercise, RCTs, and falls. We evaluated the risk of bias (ROB) using the Cochrane ROB Tool-2 and study quality using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were included (n = 1,827; age = 81.3±7.0 years; female = 59.3%; Mini-Mental State Examination = 20.1±4.3 points; intervention duration = 27.8±18.5 weeks; adherence = 75.5±16.2%; attrition = 21.0±12.4%). Exercise reduced falls in two studies [Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) range = 0.16 to 0.66; fall rate range: intervention = 1.35-3.76 falls/year, control = 3.07-12.21 falls/year]; all other studies (n = 10) reported null findings. Exercise did not reduce recurrent falls (n = 0/2) or injurious falls (n = 0/5). The RoB assessment ranged from some concerns (n = 9) to high RoB (n = 3); no studies were powered for falls. The quality of reporting was good (78.8±11.4%).

CONCLUSION

There was insufficient evidence to suggest that exercise reduces falls, recurrent falls, or injurious falls among PWD. Well-designed studies powered for falls are needed.

Neurometabolic correlates of posturography in normal aging and older adults with mild cognitive impairment: Evidence from a 1H-MRS study

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-MRS) holds promise for revealing and understanding neurodegenerative processes associated with cognitive and functional impairments in aging. In the present study, we examined the neurometabolic correlates of balance performance in 42 cognitively intact older adults (healthy controls - HC) and 26 older individuals that were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Neurometabolite ratios of total N-acetyl aspartate (tNAA), glutamate-glutamine complex (Glx), total choline (tCho) and myo-inositol (mIns) relative to total creatine (tCr) were assessed using single voxel ¹H-MRS in four different brain regions. Regions of interest were the left hippocampus (HPC), dorsal posterior cingulate cortex (dPCC), left sensorimotor cortex (SM1), and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). Center-of-pressure velocity (Vcop) and dual task effect (DTE) were used as measures of balance performance. Results indicated no significant group differences in neurometabolite ratios and balance performance measures. However, our observations revealed that higher tCho/tCr and mIns/tCr in hippocampus and dPCC were generic predictors of worse balance performance, suggesting that neuroinflammatory processes in these regions might be a driving factor for impaired balance performance in aging. Further, we found that higher tNAA/tCr and mIns/tCr and lower Glx/tCr in left SM1 were predictors of better balance performance in MCI but not in HC. The latter observation hints at the possibility that individuals with MCI may upregulate balance control through recruitment of sensorimotor pathways.

The association between white matter hyperintensity volume and cognitive/physical decline in older people with dementia: A one-year longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES

Understanding the relationship between white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and cognitive and physical decline in people with dementia will assist in determining potential treatment strategies. Currently there is conflicting evidence describing the association between WMHs and cognitive decline and, WMHs association with declines in objective measures of physical function have not been examined. We examined the relationship between baseline WMH volume and physical/cognitive decline over one-year in older people with dementia.

METHODS

Twenty-six community-dwelling older people with dementia (mean age = 81 ± 8 years; 35% female) were assessed at baseline and follow-up (one-year) using the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (including verbal fluency), Trail Making Test A, the Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA), timed-up-and-go (TUG) and gait speed. WMH volumes were quantified using a fully automated segmentation toolbox, UBO Detector.

RESULTS

In analyses adjusted for baseline performance, higher baseline WMH volume was associated with decline in executive function (verbal fluency), sensorimotor function (PPA) and mobility (TUG). Executive function (semantic/category fluency) was the only domain association that withstood adjustment for age, and additionally hippocampal volume.

CONCLUSIONS

In unadjusted analyses, WMH volume was associated with one-year declines in cognitive and physical function in older people with dementia. The association with executive function decline withstood adjustment for age. More research is needed to confirm these findings and explore whether vascular risk reduction strategies can reduce WMH volume and associated cognitive and physical impairments in this group.

Vestibular therapy to reduce falls in people with Alzheimer's disease: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Falls are highly common in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD); around two-thirds of AD patients fall annually. Fall events are major drivers of injury, early institutionalization, and shorter survival. Balance and mobility impairment are among the most important fall risk factors in AD patients. Vestibular therapy (VT) is an effective rehabilitation intervention in improving balance and fall risk through vestibular function, but not often used in AD. We want to evaluate the feasibility of using VT to reduce falls and improve balance function in patients with AD and drive use of an existing, potentially beneficial therapy in a patient population whose high level of vestibular deficits is currently unaddressed.

METHODS

The proposed pilot clinical trial will be a parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Patients with a diagnosis of mild-moderate AD, age ≥ 60, and the presence of a caregiver will be recruited from the Johns Hopkins Memory and Alzheimer's Treatment Center. Eligible patients will be offered vestibular testing. Patients with vestibular loss will be offered participation in the VT trial. One-hundred AD patients with vestibular loss will be enrolled and randomized 1:1 into the control and intervention arms of the trial. All patients will undergo baseline balance and cognitive assessment, followed by 8 weeks of active control therapy or VT, consisting of ~25-min office sessions with a vestibular therapist. Patients will be tracked for falls and undergo follow-up balance and cognitive assessment at 8 and 52 weeks (1 year) to assess the potential short-term and longer-term effects, respectively, of VT on balance and cognition. The main outcomes of this trial are falls, balance (using the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go test), and cognition (using the clock drawing test, the Card Rotations test, the Money Road Map test, and the triangle completion task).

DISCUSSION

As the population ages and the number of individuals with AD in the US grows to a projected 14 million in 2050, managing falls in AD will continue to grow as a critical public health concern; this trial assesses feasibility of a potential solution.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrial.Gov identifier - NCT03799991 . Registered 01 August 2019.

Telefonemas mensais e calendários como registro para a taxa de quedas de idosos da comunidade inseridos em um ensaio clínico randomizado

RESUMO Os objetivos deste estudo de caráter longitudinal prospectivo foram analisar telefonemas mensais e calendários como registro da taxa de quedas de idosos da comunidade ao longo de 22 semanas e verificar os fatores relacionados à adesão ao calendário de quedas. Os participantes passaram por avaliações de anamnese, nível de atividade física, medidas neuropsicológicas e mobilidade. Receberam também um calendário de quedas que deveria ser preenchido, ao longo das 22 semanas, no(s) dia(s) em que o evento ocorresse. Ademais, os idosos foram contatados mensalmente por telefone para o questionamento da ocorrência de quedas naquele período. Para análise dos dados, foi adotado nível de significância de α=0,05, e para execução dos testes estatísticos foi utilizado o software SPSS 20.0. Os dois instrumentos foram comparados quanto à “sensibilidade” e à “especificidade”. Foram incluídos 52 idosos no estudo, com média de idade de 70,5 anos. A adesão ao método do calendário foi de 63,4% em comparação à estratégia dos telefonemas. Dos nove participantes que relataram quedas pelos telefonemas, três as notificaram no calendário, resultando em uma sensibilidade de 33%. Dos 43 idosos que não relataram quedas por telefonemas, 31 entregaram o calendário sem registro, o que resultou em uma especificidade do calendário de 72%. Anos de escolaridade, pontuação no Miniexame de Estado Mental e desempenho no exame cognitivo de Addenbrooke (versão revisada) influenciaram significativamente na adesão ao calendário de quedas. Concluiu-se que houve maior notificação de quedas pelo método do telefonema mensal em comparação ao do calendário em idosos da comunidade.

Monthly phone calls and calendars to record falls rate in community-dwelling older adults included in a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT This longitudinal study aimed to analyze monthly phone calls and calendars as a mean to record falls rate in community-dwelling older adults over 22 weeks, and to verify factors related to adherence to the falls calendar. Participants underwent an assessment composed by anamnesis, level of physical activity, neuropsychological measures, and mobility. They also received a schedule of falls that should be completed over 22 weeks, on the day(s) a fall occurred. Moreover, the volunteers received monthly phone calls to inquire about occurrence of falls over time. For data analysis, a α=0.05 significance level was adopted and the SPSS software (20.0) was used to perform statistical tests. The two tools were compared regarding “sensitivity” and “specificity.” In total, 52 older adults composed the final sample, with a mean age of 70.5 years old. The adherence to the calendar was 63.4% compared to phone calls. Of nine participants who reported falls by phone calls, three notified them in the calendar, resulting in a 33% sensitivity. Out of the 43 people who did not report falls by phone calls, 31 delivered the calendar without registration. Thus, the specificity of the calendar was 72%. Schooling level, Mini Mental State Exam score and the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (revised version) score significantly influenced adherence to the calendar. In conclusion, there was a greater registration of falls by the monthly phone call compared to the calendar tool in community-dwelling older adults.

Risk factors for falls in community-dwelling older people with mild cognitive impairment: a prospective one-year study

Objective

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered an intermediate stage between normal cognitive function and dementia. Fall risk is increased in this group, but there is limited literature exploring specific fall risk factors that may be addressed in fall prevention strategies. The aim of this study was to examine risk factors for falls in older people with MCI, focusing on cognitive, psychological and physical factors.

Methods

Participants (n = 266, 45% women) were community-dwelling older people aged 70-90 years who met the criteria for MCI. Cognitive, psychological, sensorimotor and physical assessments, physical activity levels, medication use, general health and disability were ascertained at baseline. Falls were monitored prospectively for 12 months.

Results

During follow-up, 106 (40%) participants reported one or more falls. Poorer visual contrast sensitivity, increased postural sway, lower levels of weekly walking activity, higher levels of depressive symptoms and psychotropic medication use were significantly associated with faller status (≥1 falls) in univariable analyses. Of these factors, poor visual contrast sensitivity, increased postural sway and psychotropic medication use were found to be significant independent predictors of falls in multivariable analysis while controlling for age and sex. No measures of cognitive function were associated with falls.

Conclusions

Poor visual contrast sensitivity, impaired balance and psychotropic medication use predicted falls in community-dwelling people with MCI. These risk factors may be amenable to intervention, so these factors could be carefully considered in fall prevention programs for this population.

Vestibular Function Predicts Balance and Fall Risk in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are at high risk for falls. Vestibular dysfunction predicts balance impairment in healthy adults; however, its contribution to falls in patients with AD is not well known.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess whether vestibular function contributes to balance and fall risk in patients with AD.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, we assessed vestibular function using measures of semicircular canal (vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain) and saccular function (cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic (cVEMP) response), and we assessed balance function using the Berg Balance Scale and quantitative posturography. We evaluated falls incidence for a mean 1-year follow-up period (range 3-21 months) in 48 patients with mild-moderate AD.

RESULTS

Relative to matched controls, AD patients exhibited increased medio-lateral (ML) sway in eyes-open (0.89 cm versus 0.69 cm; p = 0.033) and eyes-closed (0.86 cm versus 0.65 cm; p = 0.042) conditions. Among AD patients, better semicircular canal function was associated with lower ML sway and antero-posterior (AP) sway in the eyes-closed condition (β= -2.42, 95% CI (-3.89, -0.95), p = 0.002; β= -2.38, 95% CI (-4.43, -0.32), p = 0.025, respectively). Additionally, better saccular function was associated with lower sway velocity (β= -0.18, 95% CI (-0.28, -0.08); p = 0.001). Finally, we observed that better semicircular canal function was significantly associated with lower likelihood of falls when adjusted for age, sex, and MMSE score (HR = 0.65; p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

These results support the vestibular system as an important contributor to balance and fall risk in AD patients and suggest a role for vestibular therapy.

Relationship between Depressive Symptoms and Cognitive, Psychological, and Physical Performance in Community-Dwelling Older People with Cognitive Impairment

INTRODUCTION

Dementia and depression often coexist. Understanding how concomitant comorbidities affect function can improve assessment and management strategies. We examined the relationship between cognitive, psychological, and physical function and depressive symptoms in people with cognitive impairment.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study using baseline data from the iFOCIS randomized controlled trial involving 309 participants with mild-moderate cognitive impairment. The association between cognitive (Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-III [ACE-III], Frontal Assessment Battery), psychological (Goldberg Anxiety Scale; Iconographical Falls Efficacy Scale), and physical (Physiological Profile Assessment; Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB]) function, and quality of life (QoL), physical activity levels and activities of daily living, and depressive symptoms (15-item Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS]) were assessed (adjusted for age, sex, education, and ACE-III as appropriate).

RESULTS

Participants with depressive symptoms (GDS ≥4) had significantly more falls in the previous year and a higher number of comorbidities than people without depressive symptoms (GDS <4). Each point increase in the GDS was associated with better memory, higher levels of anxiety and concern about falling, poorer balance, slower gait speed, and reduced QoL. The relationship between the GDS and poor balance and QoL withstood additional adjustment for comorbidity tertiles. The relationship between GDS and concern about falls withstood additional adjustment for previous falls (12 months) and SPPB scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive symptomatology is associated with poorer physical and psychological function and reduced QoL in people with cognitive impairment. These factors should be considered when assessing and intervening in this group. Future research could examine these relationships longitudinally to establish causality and examine intervention efficacy in this group.

Longitudinal associations between falls and future risk of cognitive decline, the Motoric Cognitive Risk syndrome and dementia: the Einstein Ageing Study

BACKGROUND

falls share risk factors with cognitive decline but whether falls predict cognitive decline, pre-dementia syndromes and dementia is poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES

this study aimed to examine if falls are associated with cognitive decline in specific domains and the risk of Motoric Cognitive Risk (MCR) syndrome and dementia.

DESIGN

cross-sectional study.

METHODS

in older people (age 80.6 ± 5.3 years) free of dementia at baseline, the number of falls (none, one or multiple) during the year before enrolment and the first year of follow-up (exposure) were recorded. Decline in specific cognitive functions (global cognition, episodic verbal memory, verbal fluency, working memory, response inhibition and processing speed-attention), incident MCR and incident dementia were outcome measures. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine the associations between falls and cognitive decline, adjusting for confounders. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine if falls predicted risk of incident MCR or dementia.

RESULTS

of 522 eligible participants, 140 had a single fall and 70 had multiple falls. Multiple falls were associated with a greater decline in global cognition, episodic memory, verbal fluency and processing speed-attention compared to those with no falls (P < 0.05). Over a median follow-up of 1.0 years 36 participants developed MCR and 43 participants developed dementia. Those with multiple falls had a two-fold increased risk of MCR compared to those with no falls, but no increased risk of developing dementia.

CONCLUSIONS

multiple falls may be an important marker to identify older people at greater risk of future cognitive decline and incident MCR.

Standing, Transition, and Walking Ability in Older Adults: The Case for Independently Evaluating Different Domains of Mobility Function

BACKGROUND

Independent mobility is a complex behavior that relies on the ability to walk, maintain stability, and transition between postures. However, guidelines for assessment that details what elements of mobility to evaluate and how they should be measured remain unclear.

METHODS

Performance on tests of standing, sit-to-stand, and walking were evaluated in a cohort of 135 complex, comorbid, and older adults (mean age 87 ± 5.5 years). Correlational analysis was conducted to examine the degree of association for measures within and between mobility domains on a subset of participants (n = 83) able to complete all tasks unaided. Participants were also grouped by the presence of risk markers for frailty (gait speed and grip strength) to determine if the level of overall impairment impacted performance scores and if among those with risk markers, the degree of association was greater.

RESULTS

Within-domain relationships for sit-to-stand and walking were modest (rho = 0.01-0.60). Associations either did not exist or relationships were weak for measures reflecting different domains (rho = -0.35 to 0.25, p > 0.05). As expected, gait speed differed between those with and without frailty risk markers (p < 0.001); however, balance and sit-to-stand measures did not (p ≥ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the need to independently evaluate different mobility domains within an individual as a standard assessment approach. Modest within-domain relationships emphasize the need to account for multiple, unique control challenges within more complex domains. These findings have important implications for standardized mobility assessment and targeted rehabilitation strategies for older adults.

A Safe Mobilisation Program to Improve Functional Mobility and Reduce Fall Risks in Cognitively Impaired Older Adults with Higher Level Gait Disorders: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

The association between gait and cognition, and their combined impact on postural stability may underlie the increased fall risk in older adults with dementia. However, there are few interventions to improve functional mobility and reduce fall risks in people with cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a Safe Mobilisation Program for cognitively impaired older adults with higher level gait disorders. It also explores the potential effectiveness of the program on mobility and fall risks.

METHODS

Fifteen community-dwelling older adults participated in a 3-week pre-post intervention study. They were trained to take steady steps in transfers and mobilization using errorless learning and spaced retrieval teaching techniques.

RESULTS

The intervention program was feasible, all the participants completed the program and were able to mobilize safely. The program was acceptable and participants reported an increase in safety awareness, improvement in confidence while transferring and mobilising, and better quality of life. There was a trend of improvement in Falls Efficacy Scale-international (FES-I), 360° turn and Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), which may indicate improvement in balance and mobility.

CONCLUSION

The Safe Mobilisation Program was feasible and acceptable in older adults with cognitive impairment and gait disorders and warrants further evaluation.

Risk factors for falls in older people with cognitive impairment living in the community: Systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This systematic review aimed to identify risk factors for prospectively ascertained falls, focusing on those that are potentially modifiable (physical and neuropsychological factors), in older people with cognitive impairment living in the community.

RESULTS

A comprehensive search of five databases identified 16 high quality (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale ≥8/9) relevant articles. Meta-analyses were undertaken for five potential fall risk factors. Of these, fallers had significantly poorer balance (standardized mean difference = 0.62, 95 %CI 0.45, 0.79) with low heterogeneity. Global cognition was not significantly associated with faller status in a meta-analysis with low heterogeneity. Meta-analyses of mobility (Timed Up-and-Go), gait speed and depressive symptoms had high heterogeneity and were not statistically significant or were borderline significant (p = 0.05). Sensitivity analyses (removing one study sample's results that differed markedly from the other included samples) reduced heterogeneity to 0% and revealed fallers had significantly poorer mobility and more depressive symptoms than non-fallers. Fallers also walked significantly slower, but heterogeneity remained high.

CONCLUSIONS

In older people with cognitive impairment, fallers presented with balance deficits, poor mobility, slow gait speed and depressive symptoms. Reduced global cognition was not associated with falls. These findings suggest that interventions should target balance impairment and reveal that more high-quality research is needed.

Differential risk of falls associated with pain medication among community-dwelling older adults by cognitive status

BACKGROUND

Persons living with dementia have an elevated risk of falling and chronic pain. This study investigates the relationship of pain medication use with falls among community-dwelling adults based on their cognitive status.

METHODS

We analysed a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries (n = 7,491) who completed cognitive assessments used for dementia classification in the 2015 US National Health and Aging Trends Study. We performed survey-weighted logistic regression to investigate differential associations between pain medication use and a recent fall by cognitive status: no dementia, possible dementia and probable dementia, controlling for sociodemographic and health characteristics.

RESULTS

About 16.5% of the analytic sample was classified as possible dementia (8.3%) and probable dementia (8.2%). Pain medication use was associated with a recent fall among those with probable dementia [odds ratio (OR) = 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14, 3.03], controlling for sociodemographic and health characteristics. Taking medication for pain 2 days a week or more (OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.20, 3.81) was associated with falls among those with probable dementia. Bothersome pain and worry about falling down were also associated with falls among participants with no dementia and possible dementia, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Differential risk factors for falls by cognitive status imply the need for tailored pain management and fall prevention strategies. The provision of fall prevention programmes stressing balance training and medication use is important regardless of cognitive status in community-dwelling older adults. Future research should explore other modifiable factors associated with the risk of falls among community-dwelling adults.

History of Falls, Dementia, Lower Education Levels, Mobility Limitations, and Aging Are Risk Factors for Falls among the Community-Dwelling Elderly: A Cohort Study

Background: Falling is a serious issue among elderly community dwellers, often resulting in disability. We aimed to investigate the risk factors for falls among elderly community dwellers. Methods: We recruited 232 participants from multiple community learning and care centers, who provided their information through questionnaires. They were divided into two groups, according to their falling events after a 1-year follow-up. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 64 participants reported a fall at the 1-year follow-up. The falling group comprised older and single people with lower education levels, higher rates of dementia, a history of falls, lower scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination, and more disability functions when compared to the non-falling group (all p < 0.05). The regression model showed that a history of falls (OR: 62.011; p < 0.0001), lower education levels (OR: 4.088; p = 0.039), mild dementia (OR: 20.729; p = 0.028), older age (OR: 1.176; p < 0.0001), walking for 300 m (OR: 4.153; p = 0.030), and running for 30 m (OR: 3.402; p = 0.015) were 1-year risk factors for falls. Conclusion: A history of falling, low education levels, aging, mild dementia, and certain mobility limitations were strong risk factors for future falling accidents in elderly Taiwanese community dwellers.

Rehabilitation in Dementia

Dementia is an eurodegenerative disorder, which causes significant disability, especially among the elderly population worldwide. The affected person shows a progressive cognitive decline, which interferes with the independence in performing the activities of daily living. Other than the cognitive domain, the patient tends to have neuropsychiatric, behavioral, sensorimotor, speech, and language-related issues. It is expected that the global burden of the disease will rise with more people entering the geriatric age group. By 2050 close, to 140 million people will be living with one or the other type of dementia. Alzheimer's disease contributes to more than 60% of cases worldwide, followed by vascular dementia. Pharmacotherapy has a limited role to play in the treatment, and at present, no drug is available, which can halt or reverse the progress of the disease. World Health Organization has mandated rehabilitation as a core recommendation in the global action plan on the public health response to dementia. Rehabilitation services are widely recognized as a practical framework to maximize independence and community participation in dementia care. The rehabilitation program is customized to achieve the desired goals, as each person has different experiences, preferences, motivations, strengths, and requirements based on type, course, and severity of the illness. It is an interdisciplinary-team approach with the involvement of several health care professionals. This article reviews the existing literature and outlines the effective rehabilitation strategies concisely in dementia care.

Sensor-based fall risk assessment in older adults with or without cognitive impairment: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Higher age and cognitive impairment are associated with a higher risk of falling. Wearable sensor technology may be useful in objectively assessing motor fall risk factors to improve physical exercise interventions for fall prevention. This systematic review aims at providing an updated overview of the current research on wearable sensors for fall risk assessment in older adults with or without cognitive impairment. Therefore, we addressed two specific research questions: 1) Can wearable sensors provide accurate data on motor performance that may be used to assess risk of falling, e.g., by distinguishing between faller and non-faller in a sample of older adults with or without cognitive impairment?; and 2) Which practical recommendations can be given for the application of sensor-based fall risk assessment in individuals with CI? A systematic literature search (July 2019, update July 2020) was conducted using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Community-based studies or studies conducted in a geriatric setting that examine fall risk factors in older adults (aged ≥60 years) with or without cognitive impairment were included. Predefined inclusion criteria yielded 16 cross-sectional, 10 prospective and 2 studies with a mixed design.

RESULTS

Overall, sensor-based data was mainly collected during walking tests in a lab setting. The main sensor location was the lower back to provide wearing comfort and avoid disturbance of participants. The most accurate fall risk classification model included data from sit-to-walk and walk-to-sit transitions collected over three days of daily life (mean accuracy = 88.0%). Nine out of 28 included studies revealed information about sensor use in older adults with possible cognitive impairment, but classification models performed slightly worse than those for older adults without cognitive impairment (mean accuracy = 79.0%).

CONCLUSION

Fall risk assessment using wearable sensors is feasible in older adults regardless of their cognitive status. Accuracy may vary depending on sensor location, sensor attachment and type of assessment chosen for the recording of sensor data. More research on the use of sensors for objective fall risk assessment in older adults is needed, particularly in older adults with cognitive impairment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This systematic review is registered in PROSPERO ( CRD42020171118 ).

Prevalence/potential risk factors for motoric cognitive risk and its relationship to falls in elderly Chinese people: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is characterized by slow walking speed and subjective memory complaints (SMCs). This study investigated the prevalence and potential risk factors of MCR and its association with falls in Chinese community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

The analysis was based on data from the Rugao Longevity and Aging Study (RuLAS). MCR was defined as the presence of both SMCs and slow walking speed in participants free of major neurocognitive disorders. SMCs were determined according to a positive answer to the question 'Do you feel you have more problems with memory than most?' in the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Slow walking speed was defined as one standard deviation or more below the mean value for patients' age and sex. Data on falls were derived from a standardized questionnaire.

RESULTS

The prevalence of SMCs, slow walking speed and MCR in the RuLAS cohort (N = 1592) was 51.9%, 15.6% and 8.3%, respectively. After adjusting for other covariates, an occupation of farming (odds ratio [OR] 2.358, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.007-5.521, p = 0.048), history of cerebrovascular disease (OR 2.215, 95% CI 1.032-4.752, p = 0.041) and hospitalization (OR 2.008, 95% CI 1.120-3.602, p = 0.019) were risk factors for MCR. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that the risk of falls was increased by MCR (OR 1.547, 95% CI 1.009-2.371), SMC (OR 1.308, 95% CI 1.003-1.707) and slow walking speed (OR 1.442, 95% CI 1.030-2.017).

CONCLUSIONS

Early identification of potential risk factors of MCR can prevent the occurrence of adverse health events such as falls in the elderly.

The association between white matter hyperintensity volume and gait performance under single and dual task conditions in older people with dementia: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Understanding the relationship between white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and gait may assist in understanding the central control of gait and determining treatment modalities. These relationships are yet to be realized in older people with dementia.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between WMH volume and gait under single-task and dual task (DT) conditions in people with dementia.

METHODS

Twenty-eight community-dwelling older people with dementia (median age=83 years; [IQR=77-86]; 36% female) had timed gait speed assessed at usual pace. Gait (speed, stride length, cadence) was assessed using the GAITRite® mat under three conditions (n = 18/28): a) single-task, b) functional DT: carrying a glass of water and c) cognitive DT: counting backwards from 30. WMH volumes were quantified using a fully automated segmentation toolbox.

RESULTS

Total, temporal and parietal WMH volumes were negatively correlated with timed and functional DT gait speed, and with stride length under single-task, functional DT and cognitive DT conditions. Frontal WMH volumes were negatively correlated with timed gait speed and stride length under single-task and functional DT conditions. Participants with higher total WMH burden had significantly slower timed and functional DT gait speed and reduced stride length under single-task, functional DT and cognitive DT conditions compared to participants with lower WMH burden.

CONCLUSIONS

WMH volume was associated with slower gait speed and reduced stride length, but not cadence, under single-task and DT conditions in people with dementia. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine whether vascular risk management can improve gait in older people with dementia.

Falls and Fear of Falling in Shunted Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus-The Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Comorbidity and Risk Factors Associated With Hydrocephalus Study

BACKGROUND

Gait and balance impairment are typical symptoms of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH), implicating that falls may afflict these patients.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate falls, related injuries, and associated psychological features, before and after shunt surgery for INPH and compared to the general population.

METHODS

The study included 176 patients shunted for INPH and 368 age- and sex-matched controls. Falls, fear of falling (FOF), fall-related injuries (mild-severe), confidence in avoiding falls (Swedish Falls Efficacy Scale (FES(S)), quality of life (QoL; EuroQoL 5-dimension 5 level instrument), and symptoms of depression (Geriatric Depression Scale 15) were investigated. Pre- and postoperative observational times were 12 mo before surgery and 21 mo after (mean). Recurrent fallers fell ≥2 times.

RESULTS

More INPH patients than controls were recurrent fallers (67% vs 11%; P < .001). They feared falling more often (FOF, mean ± standard deviation: 3.3 ± 1.1 vs 1.6 ± 0.9; P < .001) and had lower confidence in avoiding falls (FES(S) 78 ± 40 vs 126 ± 14; P < .001). After surgery, INPH patients improved in all parameters but they did not reach the levels of the controls. Among fallers there was no difference between patients and controls in the severity of injuries suffered. Low QoL and symptoms of depression were more common among recurrent fallers than one-time or nonfallers in both shunted patients and controls (P ≤ .001).

CONCLUSION

Falls, FOF, and low confidence in avoiding falls are considerable problems in INPH that may be reduced by shunt surgery. We suggest that remaining risk of falling and preventative measures are routinely considered in postoperative follow-ups and rehabilitation planning.

Cognitive Domain Associations with Balance Performance in Community-Dwelling Older People with Cognitive Impairment

BACKGROUND

In older people with cognitive impairment (CI), executive function (EF) has been associated with motor performance including balance and gait. The literature examining and supporting a relationship between balance performance and other cognitive domains is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between global cognition and cognitive domain function and balance performance in older people with CI.

METHODS

The iFOCIS randomized controlled trial recruited 309 community-dwelling older people with CI. Baseline assessments completed before randomization were used for analyses including the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-III (ACE-III; global cognition) and its individual cognitive domains (attention; memory; verbal fluency; language; visuospatial ability) and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), a measure of EF. A composite balance score was derived from postural sway and leaning balance tests.

RESULTS

In linear regression analyses adjusted for covariates, global cognition and each cognitive domain were significantly associated with balance performance. EF (verbal fluency; β= -0.254, p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.387) and visuospatial ability (β= -0.258, p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.391) had the strongest associations with balance performance. In a comprehensively adjusted multivariable model including all of the ACE-III cognitive domains, visuospatial ability and EF (verbal fluency) were independently and significantly associated with balance performance.

CONCLUSION

Poorer global cognition and cognitive domain function were associated with poorer balance performance in this sample of people with CI. Visuospatial ability and EF were independently associated with balance, highlighting potential shared neural networks and the role higher-level cognitive processes and spatial perception/processing play in postural control.

Specific Motor and Cognitive Performances Predict Falls during Ward-Based Geriatric Rehabilitation in Patients with Dementia

The aim of this study was to identify in-hospital fall risk factors specific for multimorbid hospitalized geriatric patients with dementia (PwD) during hospitalization. Geriatric inpatients during ward-based rehabilitation (n = 102; 79.4% females; 82.82 (6.19) years of age; 20.26 (5.53) days of stay) were included in a comprehensive fall risk assessment combining established clinical measures, comprehensive cognitive testing including detailed cognitive sub-performances, and various instrumented motor capacity measures as well as prospective fall registration. A combination of unpaired t-tests, Mann-Whitney-U tests, and Chi-square tests between patients with ("in-hospital fallers") and without an in-hospital fall ("in-hospital non-fallers"), univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used to explore the best set of independent correlates and to evaluate their predictive power. In-hospital fallers (n = 19; 18.63%) showed significantly lower verbal fluency and higher postural sway (p < 0.01 to 0.05). While established clinical measures failed in discriminative as well as predictive validity, specific cognitive sub-performances (verbal fluency, constructional praxis, p = 0.01 to 0.05) as well as specific instrumented balance parameters (sway area, sway path, and medio-lateral displacement, p < 0.01 to 0.03) significantly discriminated between fallers and non-fallers. Medio-lateral displacement and visuospatial ability were identified in multivariate regression as predictors of in-hospital falls and an index combining both variables yielded an accuracy of 85.1% for fall prediction. Results suggest that specific cognitive sub-performances and instrumented balance parameters show good discriminative validity and were specifically sensitive to predict falls during hospitalization in a multimorbid patient group with dementia and an overall high risk of falling. A sensitive clinical fall risk assessment strategy developed for this specific target group should include an index of selected balance parameters and specific variables of cognitive sub-performances.

The Intersection of Falls and Dementia in Primary Care: Evaluation and Management Considerations

A large body of research has addressed the assessment and management of fall risk among community-dwelling older adults. Persons with dementia are at higher risk for falls and fall-related injuries, yet less is known about effective strategies for reducing falls and injuries among those with dementia. Falls and dementia are regularly considered to be discrete conditions and are often managed separately. Increasing evidence shows that these conditions frequently co-occur, and one may precede the other. This article explores the relationship between falls and dementia, including the importance of rehabilitation strategies for reducing fall risk in these individuals.

Psychometric Tests and Spatial Navigation: Data From the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

Spatial cognition is the process by which individuals interact with their spatial environment. Spatial cognition encompasses the specific skills of spatial memory, spatial orientation, and spatial navigation. Prior studies have shown an association between psychometric tests of spatial ability and self-reported or virtual measures of spatial navigation. In this study, we examined whether psychometric spatial cognitive tests predict performance on a dynamic spatial navigation task that involves movement through an environment. We recruited 151 community-dwelling adult participants [mean (SD) age 69.7 (13.6), range 24.6–93.2] from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA). Spatial navigation ability was assessed using the triangle completion task (TCT), and two quantities, the angle and distance of deviation, were computed. Visuospatial cognitive ability was assessed primarily using the Card Rotations Test. Additional tests of executive function, memory, and attention were also administered. In multiple linear regression analyses adjusting for age, sex, race, and education, cognitive tests of visuospatial ability, executive function, and perceptual motor speed and integration were significantly associated with spatial navigation, as determined by performance on the TCT. These findings suggest that dynamic spatial navigation ability is related to spatial memory, executive function, and motor processing speed.

The Five W's of Falls: Weekly Online Health Survey of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Analysis of 4 Years Prospective Follow-up

BACKGROUND

An in-depth examination of prospectively collected falls details may facilitate more effective falls prevention. Who was involved? What happened? Where did the fall take place? When did it happen? Why did it occur? This study aimed to provide previously unavailable details about the circumstances surrounding fall events and their consequences.

METHOD

A retrospective analysis of falls prospectively self-reported by older adults via an online weekly health form over 4 years.

RESULTS

We collected 371 falls during the 4 year time period from 120 clinically characterized fallers (74% women, mean age 83.3 years). Most of the 371 falls occurred indoors (62%) and in well-lit areas (81%). Bedrooms were the most common places for in-home falls. Commonly observed precipitating factors included loss of balance, slipping or tripping. Almost one-third (31%) of falls were defined as injurious whereas 22% resulted in a change in the walking ability of which 26% led to the use of a cane or walker. Among falls that did not give rise to any formal health care intervention, 8% resulted in a modification of walking ability.

CONCLUSIONS

A relatively high rate of fall-related injuries compared to the existing literature was observed. Online weekly surveys and the richness of details provided through these data capture method allowed us to identify falls that did not result in health care utilization but did result in decreased mobility. This finding suggests why some falls classified in the literature as noninjurious may nevertheless increase the risk of loss of autonomy and undesired outcomes.

Deep learning prediction of falls among nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease

AIM

This study aimed to use a convolutional neural network (CNN) to investigate the associations between the time of falling and multiple complicating factors, including age, dementia severity, lower extremity strength and physical function, among nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease.

METHODS

A total of 42 people with Alzheimer's disease were enrolled. We evaluated falling events from nursing home admission (baseline) to 300 days later. We assessed the knee extension strength and Functional Independence Measure locomotion item and carried out the Mini-Mental State Examination at baseline. To predict falling, participants were categorized into three classes: those who fell within the first 150 (or 300) days from baseline or those who did not experience a fall within the study period. For each class, 1000 bootstrap datasets were generated using 42 actual sample datasets, and were used to propose a CNN algorithm and cross-validate the algorithm.

RESULTS

Eight (19.0%), 11 (26.2%) and 31 participants (73.8%) fell within 150 or 300 days after the baseline assessment or did not fall until 300 days or later, respectively. The highest accuracy rate of the CNN classification was 0.647 in the factor combination extracted from the Mini-Mental State Examination score, knee extension strength and Functional Independence Measure locomotion item score.

CONCLUSIONS

A CNN based on multiple complicating factors could predict the time of falling in nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••-••.

Review of Gait, Cognition, and Fall Risks with Implications for Fall Prevention in Older Adults with Dementia

BACKGROUND

Older people with cognitive impairment are at increased risk of falls; however, fall prevention strategies have limited success in this population. The aim of this paper is to review the literature to inform a theoretical framework for fall prevention in older adults with dementia.

SUMMARY

A narrative review was conducted on fall risk factors in people with cognitive impairment, the relationship between cognition and gait, and their joint impact on the risk of falls. This was used to develop a theoretical framework for fall prevention for people with dementia. Executive function and motor function are closely related as they share neuroanatomy. This close relationship has been confirmed by observational studies including neuroimaging and intervention studies. Executive function is the cognitive domain most commonly associated with gait dysfunction. Attention, sensory integration, and motor planning are the sub-domains of executive function associated with risk of falls through gait dysfunction, whereas cognitive flexibility, judgement, and inhibitory control affect risk of falls through risk-taking behaviour. Key Messages: Gait, cognition, and falls are closely related. The comorbidity and interaction between gait abnormality and cognitive impairment may underpin the high prevalence of falls in older adults with dementia. Gait assessment and cognitive assessment, particularly executive function, should be integrated in fall risk screening. Assessment results should be interpreted and utilised using a multidisciplinary approach; specific strategies such as customised gait training and behavioural modulation should be considered as part of falls prevention for people with dementia.

Gait speed, cognition and falls in people living with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer disease: data from NILVAD

Background

Previous evidence suggests that slower gait speed is longitudinally associated with cognitive impairment, dementia and falls in older adults. Despite this, the longitudinal relationship between gait speed, cognition and falls in those with a diagnosis of dementia remains poorly explored. We sought to assess this longitudinal relationship in a cohort of older adults with mild to-moderate Alzheimer Disease (AD).

Methods

Analysis of data from NILVAD, an 18-month randomised-controlled trial of Nilvadipine in mild to moderate AD. We examined: (i) the cross-sectional (baseline) association between slow gait speed and cognitive function, (ii) the relationship between baseline slow gait speed and cognitive function at 18 months (Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale, Cognitive Subsection: ADAS-Cog), (iii) the relationship between baseline cognitive function and incident slow gait speed at 18 months and finally (iv) the relationship of baseline slow gait speed and incident falls over the study period.

Results

Overall, one-tenth (10.03%, N = 37/369) of participants with mild-to-moderate AD met criteria for slow gait speed at baseline and a further 14.09% (N = 52/369) developed incident slow gait speed at 18 months. At baseline, there was a significant association between poorer cognition and slow gait speed (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.09, p = 0.025). Whilst there was no association between baseline slow gait speed and change in ADAS-Cog score at 18 months, a greater cognitive severity at baseline predicted incident slow gait speed over 18 months (OR 1.04, 1.01–1.08, p = 0.011). Further, slow gait speed at baseline was associated with a significant risk of incident falls over the study period, which persisted after covariate adjustment (IRR 3.48, 2.05–5.92, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Poorer baseline cognition was associated with both baseline and incident slow gait speed. Slow gait speed was associated with a significantly increased risk of falls over the study period. Our study adds further evidence to the complex relationship between gait and cognition in this vulnerable group and highlights increased falls risk in older adults with AD and slow gait speed.

Trial registration

Secondary analysis of the NILVAD trial (Clincaltrials.gov NCT02017340; EudraCT number 2012–002764-27). First registered: 20/12/2013.

White matter hyperintensities are associated with falls in older people with dementia

White Matter Hyperintensities (WMHs) are associated with impaired gait, balance and cognition and increased fall risk in cognitively healthy older people. However, few studies have examined such relationships in older people with dementia. Understanding the role of WMHs in falls may assist in developing effective fall prevention strategies. We investigated the relationship between baseline WMHs, cognitive and sensorimotor function and prospective falls in older people with dementia. Twenty-eight community-dwelling older people with mild-moderate dementia (MMSE 11-23; ACE-R < 83) underwent magnetic resonance imaging and assessment of sensorimotor and cognitive (global and processing speed) function at baseline. WMHs, were quantified using a fully automated segmentation toolbox, UBO Detector ( https://cheba.unsw.edu.au/group/neuroimaging-pipeline ). Falls were ascertained prospectively for 12-months using monthly calendars with the assistance of carers. The median age of the participants was 83 years (IQR 77-86); 36% were female; 21 (75%) fell during follow-up. Using Generalized Linear Models, larger volumes of total WMHs were found to be significantly associated with poorer global cognitive and sensorimotor function. Using modified Poisson regression, total, periventricular and deep WMHs were each associated with future falls while controlling for age, sex, intracranial volume and vascular risk. Each standard deviation increase in total and periventricular WMH volume resulted in a 33% (RR 1.33 95%CI 1.07-1.66) and 30% (RR 1.30 95%CI 1.06-1.60) increased risk of falling, respectively. When the deep WMH volume z-scores were dichotomized at the median, individuals with greater deep WMH volumes had an 81% (RR 1.81 95% CI 1.02-3.21) increased risk of falling. WMHs were associated with poorer sensorimotor and cognitive function in people with dementia and total, periventricular and deep WMHs were associated with falls. Further research is needed to confirm these preliminary findings and explore the impact of vascular risk reduction strategies on WMHs, functional performance and falls.