Association between functional alterations of senescence and senility and disorders of gait and balance

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:Declines in cognition and mobility are frequently observed in the elderly, and it has been suggested that the appearance of gait disorders in older individuals may constitute a marker of cognitive decline that precedes significant findings in functional performance screening tests. This study sought to evaluate the relationship between functional capacities and gait and balance in an elderly community monitored by the Preventive and Integrated Care Unit of the Hospital Adventista Silvestre in Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.METHODS:Elderly individuals (193 females and 90 males) were submitted to a broad geriatric evaluation, which included the following tests: 1) a performance-oriented mobility assessment (POMA) to evaluate gait; 2) a mini-mental state examination (MMSE); 3) the use of Katz and Lawton scales to assess functional capacity; 4) the application of the geriatric depression scale (GDS); and 5) a mini-nutritional assessment (MNA) scale.RESULTS:Reductions in MMSE, Katz and Lawton scores were associated with reductions in POMA scores, and we also observed that significant reductions in POMA scores were present in persons for whom the MMSE and Katz scores did not clearly indicate cognitive dysfunction. We also demonstrated that a decline in the scores obtained with the GDS and MNA scales was associated with a decline in the POMA scores.CONCLUSIONS:Considering that significant alterations in the POMA scores were observed prior to the identification of significant alterations in cognitive capacity using either the MMSE or the Katz systems, a prospective study seems warranted to assess the predictive capacity of POMA scores regarding the associated decline in functional capacity.

Factors associated with lower gait speed among the elderly living in a developing country: a cross-sectional population-based study

“…The decline in physical performance is inevitable, and gait speed is considered a global indicator of functional mobility [ 3 ]. Reduced speed occurs with age [ 4 , 5 ] even among the healthy elderly [ 6 ], and it has a significant impact on one’s health and quality of life [ 6 , 7 ].…”

“…The change in gait speed is associated with physiological factors [ 7 ], behavioural factors [ 2 ], and the presence of diseases [ 8 ]. It may also increase the risk of falling [ 9 ] and result in disability, hospitalization [ 10 - 14 ], and death [ 15 ].…”

Feasibility and outcomes of the Berg Balance Scale in older adults with intellectual disabilities

“…However, we question the use of this cut-off in the population of (older) adults with ID, because it is based on the assumption of a predominantly age-related decline in balance capacities. In the general population, balance capacities decrease with age, along with cognitive decline (Alexander & Hausdorff, 2008;Teixeira-Leite & Manhaes, 2012 , 2001). This coexistence of decline in balance capacities and cognitive capacities is supported by the finding that cognitive and motor functioning are fundamentally interrelated, with equally long developmental trajectories, and the use of similar brain structures (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and neocerebellum) (Diamond, 2000).…”

Relationship between Malnutrition and Functional Disability in Selected Community-Dwelling Geriatric Population in Bangladesh

“…There be both intrinsic and extrinsic factors are associated with high-risk fall. These are deficits in sensory, arthritis, cognitive, central integrative, musculoskeletal abilities, decreased joint flexibility, the decline in vestibular function and dementia, etc., [8][9][10][11] . Balance a complex process involves reception and integration of sensory inputs and execution of movements to control the center of gravity on the support base [12] .…”