scholarly journals Prevalence of Cognitive and Vestibular Impairment in Seniors Experiencing Falls

Author(s):  
Brenda Varriano ◽  
Shaleen Sulway ◽  
Curtis Wetmore ◽  
Wanda Dillon ◽  
Karen Misquitta ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT: Background: Falls are a growing concern in seniors (≥65 yrs). Cognitive impairment (CI) and vestibular impairment (VI) increase fall risk. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of CI and VI in seniors experiencing falls. Methods: Participants (≥65 yrs) with falls were recruited from Falls Prevention Programs (FPPs) and a Memory Clinic (MC). CI was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment at FPPs. VI was assessed at an MC and FFPs using the Head Impulse- (video + bedside), Headshake-, Dix-Hallpike test, and test of sensory interaction in balance. Questionnaires included Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC). Results: Of 41 participants (29 FPPs, 12 MC); mean age was 80.1 ± 7.1 years, and 58.5% were female. Overall, 82.9% had VI. At FPPs, 76.0% had CI, and 72.3% had CI + VI. Bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH) was more common than unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH) (70.6% vs. 29.4%); p = 0.016. Dizziness Handicap (DHI) was not different between those with a VI (23.5 ± 23.9) versus without VI [PVI + no impairment] (10.0 ± 15.4); p = 0.160. Balance confidence (ABC) was lowest in VI but not significantly different between those with a VI (63.4 ± 27.3) versus without VI [PVI + no impairment] (85.0 ± 16.5); p = 0.053. Conclusions: VI and CI are prevalent in seniors experiencing falls. For seniors with history of falls, both cognitive and vestibular functions should be considered in the assessment and subsequent treatment. Screening enables earlier detection, targeted interventions, and prevention, reducing the clinical and financial impact.

1999 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 261-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna J. Matheson ◽  
Cynthia L. Darlington ◽  
Paul F. Smith

Vestibular dysfunction can have a tremendous impact on an individual’s quality of life. The purpose of this paper is to determine if the level of handicap reported by individuals on the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), an inventory developed for use with individuals with complaints of dizziness symptoms, will be consistent with that reported on the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), a tool developed for use with elderly individuals that attempts to assess a person’s confidence level in performing activities of daily living (ADL’s). A sample of convenience was used consisting of 71 subjects (15 males and 56 females) from a local Balance and Vestibular Clinic. The subjects ranged in age from 26 to 88 years of age. Both the DHI and the ABC were administered as part of an initial physical therapy evaluation to new patients at the clinic. A moderately strong negative correlation was found between the scores of the two inventories ( r s = − 0.6350). The results suggest that the ABC is a valid tool for use with individuals with complaints of dizziness.


1999 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 253-259
Author(s):  
S.L. Whitney ◽  
M.T. Hudak ◽  
G.F. Marchetti

Vestibular dysfunction can have a tremendous impact on an individual’s quality of life. The purpose of this paper is to determine if the level of handicap reported by individuals on the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), an inventory developed for use with individuals with complaints of dizziness symptoms, will be consistent with that reported on the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), a tool developed for use with elderly individuals that attempts to assess a person’s confidence level in performing activities of daily living (ADL’s). A sample of convenience was used consisting of 71 subjects (15 males and 56 females) from a local Balance and Vestibular Clinic. The subjects ranged in age from 26 to 88 years of age. Both the DHI and the ABC were administered as part of an initial physical therapy evaluation to new patients at the clinic. A moderately strong negative correlation was found between the scores of the two inventories ( r s = − 0.6350). The results suggest that the ABC is a valid tool for use with individuals with complaints of dizziness.


Author(s):  
Indri Hapsari Susilowati ◽  
Susiana Nugraha ◽  
Sabarinah Sabarinah ◽  
Bonardo Prayogo Hasiholan ◽  
Supa Pengpid ◽  
...  

Introduction: One of the causes of disability among elderly is falling. The ability to predict the risk of falls among this group is important so that the appropriate treatment can be provided to reduce the risk. The objective of this study was to compare the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, & Injuries (STEADI) Initiative from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Johns Hopkins Fall Risk Assessment Tool (JHFRAT) from the Johns Hopkins University. Methods: This study used the STEADI tool, JHFRAT, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), and The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). The study areas were in community and elderly home in both public and private sectors and the samples were 427 after cleaning. Results: The results for the STEADI and JHFRAT tools were similar where the respondents at highest risk of falling among women (STEADI: 49%; JHFRAT: 3.4%), in Bandung area (63.5%; 5.4%), in private homes (63.3%; 4.4%), non-schools (54.6%; 6.2%), aged 80 or older (64.8%; 6.7%) and not working (48.9%;3.3%). The regression analysis indicated that there was a significant relationship between the risk factors for falls in the elderly determined by the JHFRAT and STEADI tools: namely, region, type of home, age, disease history, total GDS and ABC averages. Conclusion: Despite the similarity in the risk factors obtained through these assessments, there was a significant difference between the results for the STEADI tool and the JHFRAT. The test strength was 43%. However, STEADI is more sensitive to detect fall risk smong elderly than JHFRATKeywords: Activities-Specific Balance Confidence scale, elderly, fall risk,The Johns Hopkins Fall Risk Assessment Tool, the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, & Injuries


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S615-S615
Author(s):  
Shannon T Mejia ◽  
Katherine Hsieh ◽  
Jason Fanning ◽  
Jacob Sosnoff

Abstract An accurate understanding of one’s abilities and limitations allows adaptive response to the challenges that are faced in daily life. However, older adults may over or under estimate their actual abilities. The Daily Balance Project examined the intraindividual dynamics of older adults’ perceived balance with objective measures of balance and physical activity. For 30 consecutive days, following a comprehensive fall risk assessment, 20 older adults rated their balance confidence (Activities Balance Confidence scale) at that moment and then performed five standardized balance assessments measured via smartphone accelerometer held to their chest. Physical activity was measured with an activity monitor. Baseline measurements of fall risk differentiated the extent of intraindividual variation and co-variation of balance and physical activity. For some participants, actual and perceived balance became more closely aligned as the study progressed. The implications of the findings for life-span perspectives on aging and fall prevention are discussed.


Author(s):  
Indri Hapsari Susilowati ◽  
Susiana Nugraha ◽  
Sabarinah Sabarinah ◽  
Bonardo Prayogo Hasiholan ◽  
Supa Pengpid ◽  
...  

Introduction: One of the causes of disability among elderly is falling. The ability to predict the risk of falls among this group is important so that the appropriate treatment can be provided to reduce the risk. The objective of this study was to compare the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, & Injuries (STEADI) Initiative from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Johns Hopkins Fall Risk Assessment Tool (JHFRAT) from the Johns Hopkins University. Methods: This study used the STEADI tool, JHFRAT, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), and The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). The study areas were in community and elderly home in both public and private sectors and the samples were 427 after cleaning. Results: The results for the STEADI and JHFRAT tools were similar where the respondents at highest risk of falling among women (STEADI: 49%; JHFRAT: 3.4%), in Bandung area (63.5%; 5.4%), in private homes (63.3%; 4.4%), non-schools (54.6%; 6.2%), aged 80 or older (64.8%; 6.7%) and not working (48.9%;3.3%). The regression analysis indicated that there was a significant relationship between the risk factors for falls in the elderly determined by the JHFRAT and STEADI tools: namely, region, type of home, age, disease history, total GDS and ABC averages. Conclusion: Despite the similarity in the risk factors obtained through these assessments, there was a significant difference between the results for the STEADI tool and the JHFRAT. The test strength was 43%. However, STEADI is more sensitive to detect fall risk smong elderly than JHFRATKeywords: Activities-Specific Balance Confidence scale, elderly, fall risk,The Johns Hopkins Fall Risk Assessment Tool, the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, & Injuries


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 540-543
Author(s):  
Xiao Bao ◽  
Jie-Wen Tan ◽  
Ying Long ◽  
Howe Liu ◽  
Hui-Yu Liu

Objective: To study the effect of intermittent hypoxia training (IHT) for dizziness. Design: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial. All participants were recruited from a rehabilitation department in an acute university-affiliated hospital. Intervention: Participants with dizziness were randomly assigned to 2 groups (IHT group and control group). The Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, and Vertigo Visual Analog Scale were conducted at baseline, end of the fourth week. Results: Among 52 subjects, there were18 males and 34 females, ages 35 to 62 years old (mean [SD] = 46.9 [7.93]). Time length since onset ranged from 12 to 34 months (20.2 [7.15] mo). Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Vertigo Visual Analog Scale scores, and attack frequencies of dizziness were improved after IHT intervention in the end of the fourth week. There were significant differences between the IHT group and the control group in the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Vertigo Visual Analog Scale scores, and attack frequencies of dizziness at the end of the fourth week (P < .05). No adverse events occurred during the study. Conclusion: IHT could improve dizziness after intervention at the end of the fourth week. IHT could be the effective method for treating dizziness.


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