Assessing the Balance Ability and Quality of Life in Patients with Mild Neurocognitive Disorder Due to Alzheimer's Disease: Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between balance ability, functional status, and quality of life in patients over 65 years of age with mild neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease. Material and Methods: We conducted a single-center cross-sectional study with 235 participants, including 104 patients with mild neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease and 131 controls. Participants were aged 65 and older, able to communicate and consent, and ambulated independently. Excluded were those under 65, with major neurocognitive disorder, or those who were bedridden or wheelchair-bound. Patients with Alzheimer's disease were recruited from psychiatry clinic, while controls were sourced from physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic. Following consent, demographic and clinical data were recorded, including age, gender, body mass index, education and comorbidities. The Berg Balance Scale, Functional Ambulation Category, Timed Up and Go Test, Short Form-36, and Mini Mental State Examination were administered. The Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia and the Geriatric Depression Scale were used for patients and controls, respectively. Results: Demographic data showed no significant differences between groups. Berg Balance Scale, Functional Ambulation Category, and Mini Mental State Examination scores were lower in study group, while Timed Up and Go Test scores were higher (p<0.001). Short Form-36 summary scores were significantly lower in the study group. Positive correlations were found among Berg Balance Scale, Functional Ambulation Category, and Short Form-36, while Timed Up and Go Test scores were negatively correlated. Conclusion: Even in mild neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease, balance ability declines, negatively impacting quality of life. Future randomized controlled trials should focus on balance-improving exercises.