Cognitive and physical declines and falls in older people with and without mild cognitive impairment: a 7-year longitudinal study
Issued Date
2024-04-01
Resource Type
eISSN
1741203X
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85163828635
Pubmed ID
37078463
Journal Title
International psychogeriatrics
Volume
36
Issue
4
Start Page
306
End Page
316
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
International psychogeriatrics Vol.36 No.4 (2024) , 306-316
Suggested Citation
Chantanachai T., Sturnieks D.L., Lord S.R., Menant J., Delbaere K., Sachdev P.S., Brodaty H., Humburg P., Taylor M.E. Cognitive and physical declines and falls in older people with and without mild cognitive impairment: a 7-year longitudinal study. International psychogeriatrics Vol.36 No.4 (2024) , 306-316. 316. doi:10.1017/S1041610223000315 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/98028
Title
Cognitive and physical declines and falls in older people with and without mild cognitive impairment: a 7-year longitudinal study
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: We examined longitudinal changes in cognitive and physical function and associations between change in function and falls in people with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study with assessments every 2 years (for up to 6 years). SETTING: Community, Sydney, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred and eighty one people were classified into three groups: those with MCI at baseline and MCI or dementia at follow-up assessments (n = 92); those who fluctuated between cognitively normal and MCI throughout follow-up (cognitively fluctuating) (n = 157), and those who were cognitively normal at baseline and all reassessments (n = 232). MEASUREMENTS: Cognitive and physical function measured over 2-6 years follow-up. Falls in the year following participants' final assessment. RESULTS: In summary, 27.4%, 38.5%, and 34.1% of participants completed 2, 4, and 6 years follow-up of cognitive and physical performance, respectively. The MCI and cognitive fluctuating groups demonstrated cognitive decline, whereas the cognitively normal group did not. The MCI group had worse physical function than the cognitively normal group at baseline but decline over time in physical performance was similar across all groups. Decline in global cognitive function and sensorimotor performance were associated with multiple falls in the cognitively normal group and decline in mobility (timed-up-and-go test) was associated with multiple falls across the whole sample. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive declines were not associated with falls in people with MCI and fluctuating cognition. Declines in physical function were similar between groups and decline in mobility was associated with falls in the whole sample. As exercise has multiple health benefits including maintaining physical function, it should be recommended for all older people. Programs aimed at mitigating cognitive decline should be encouraged in people with MCI.