Association of cognitive function with fall-related outcomes in Thai older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment
Keywords:
falling, older adults, functional performance, cognitive functionAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cognitive function and fall-related outcomes, including fear of falling and functional performance, in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 75 community-dwelling older adults (50 healthy older adults and 25 older adults with MCI). Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), while fear of falling (FoF) was measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Functional performance was evaluated using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and Chair Stand Test (CST). Group differences were analyzed using Mann–Whitney U tests, and linear regression models examined associations between MoCA scores and fall-related outcomes.
Results: Older adults with MCI exhibited significantly poorer functional performance than their cognitively healthy counterparts, with longer TUG durations (p = 0.009) and fewer CST repetitions (p = 0.002). Overall, regression analyses revealed a significant association between lower MoCA scores and longer TUG times (p = 0.025), as well as fewer CST repetitions (p = 0.001). However, no significant relationship was found between MoCA scores and FES-I scores (p = 0.737).
Conclusion: Cognitive function is associated with functional performance, particularly mobility and lower extremity strength, in older adults. However, FoF may be influenced by factors beyond cognitive decline, such as psychological or emotional aspects. These findings highlight the importance of integrating cognitive and physical interventions to reduce fall risk in older adults with MCI.
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