Physiological Fall Risk Factors in Cognitively Impaired Older People: A One-Year Prospective Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cognitively impaired older people are at twice the risk of falls compared to cognitively intact, with approximately 60% falling once or more per year. This study aimed to investigate sensorimotor and balance risk factors for falls in cognitively impaired older people. METHODS: 177 community-dwelling older people with mild to moderate cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination < 24, Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised < 83) were assessed using the Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA). Falls were recorded prospectively for 12 months using monthly calendars with the assistance of carers. RESULTS: Seventy-one participants (43%) fell ≥2 times in the follow-up period. Impaired simple reaction time, postural sway, leaning balance and increased PPA fall risk score were significantly associated with multiple falls. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for the PPA model including tests of vision, proprioception, knee extension strength, reaction time, postural sway and leaning balance was 0.75 (95% confidence interval: 0.68-0.83). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate poor performance on physiological fall risk factors, particularly balance, increases the risk of falls in older cognitively impaired people.