Quantitative analysis of balance function characteristics in older patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment

• Published in: Experimental gerontology Vol. 182; p. 112302
• Main Authors: Cui, Yao, Liu, Bo, Zhou, Jian, Liu, Qian, Ye, Hui
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 15.10.2023; Elsevier
• Subjects: Balance function; Cognitive impairment; Limits of stability test; Older; Sensory organization test; Limits of stability test; Sensory organization test; Balance function; Older; Cognitive impairment
• ISSN: 0531-5565; 1873-6815
• DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2023.112302

Cognitive decline in older adults may affect balance function, but the relationship between the two is not fully understood, especially in the early stages of cognitive impairment. Mild to moderate cognitive impairment can be assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA). This study quantitatively analyzed balance function in older adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment using computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) testing. 248 older patients were divided into a cognitive impaired group (MOCA <26, n = 126) and a normal group (MOCA ≥26, n = 122) based on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) Beijing Version. Patients underwent CDP testing, which included the sensory organization test (SOT) and the limits of stability test (LOS). The cognitive impaired group had significantly lower SOT composite and visual scores, as well as reaction time (RT), movement velocity (MVL), endpoint excursion (EPE), maximum excursion (MXE), and directional control (DCL) of the LOS test. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that RT and MXE were independent factors significantly associated with MOCA, even after adjustment for age and sex. Older patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment may have reduced sensory integration and balance stability limits, mainly manifested as prolonged motor reaction time and shortened maximum movement distance. •Cognitive problems and balance disorders in the elderly seriously affect their quality of life.•This article evaluates the balance characteristics of older people with mild to moderate cognitive impairment using quantitative methods through Computer dynamic posturography•This study found that older patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment may have reduced sensor integration and balance stability limits, which are mainly characterized by prolonged motor reaction time and shortened maximum movement distance.