Sensorimotor, Cognitive, and Affective Functions Contribute to the Prediction of Falls in Old Age and Neurologic Disorders: An Observational Study

Objective To determine whether impairments across cognitive and affective domains provide additional information to sensorimotor deficits for fall prediction among various populations. Design We pooled data from 5 studies this observational analysis of prospective falls. Setting Community or low-level care facility. Participants Older people (N=1090; 74.0±9.4y; 579 female); 500 neurologically intact (NI) older 3 groups with neurologic disorders (cognitive impairment, n=174; multiple sclerosis (MS), n=111; Parkinson disease, n=305). Interventions None. Main Outcome Measures Sensorimotor function was assessed the Physiological Profile Assessment, tests executive function, affect questionnaires depression, concern about falling falls efficacy questionnaires. These variables were associated incidence rates, obtained prospectively over 6-12 months. Results Poorer (incidence rate ratio [95% CI], 1.46 [1.28-1.66]). Impaired strongest predictor overall (2.91 [2.27-3.73]), followed by depressive symptoms (2.07 [1.56-2.75]) (2.02 [1.61-2.55]). Associations similar groups, except a weaker relationship impairment in NI persons stronger MS. Multivariable analyses showed that poorer performance, symptoms, independently Conclusions Deficits cognition (executive function) (depressive symptoms) are as important prediction. should be included risk assessments clinical groups.