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Dizziness in community-dwelling older adults: a population-based study
Suzana Albuquerque de Moraes1, Wuber Jefferson de Souza Soares, Rosilene Andrade Silva Rodrigues
1Universidade Cidade de São Paulo.
Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
|December 21, 2011
Summary
Dizziness affects nearly half of older adults and is linked to depression, fatigue, and falls. Addressing these factors is crucial for maintaining independence in the elderly population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Dizziness is a frequent health concern reported by elderly individuals.
- Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of dizziness is essential for targeted interventions in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of dizziness among community-dwelling older adults.
- To identify factors associated with dizziness in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, population-based study was conducted.
- A representative sample of adults aged 65 and over participated.
- Data were collected using multidimensional questionnaires and physical function assessments.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of dizziness was 45% in the study population.
- Significant associations were found between dizziness and female gender, memory complaints, poor health perception, depression, multiple comorbidities, fatigue, recurrent falls, excessive sleepiness, fear of falling, and impaired physical function.
- Vertigo was reported by 70.4% of those experiencing dizziness.
Conclusions:
- Dizziness is highly prevalent in older adults and is associated with significant clinical conditions including depression, fatigue, sleepiness, and memory impairment.
- The strong link between dizziness, recurrent falls, fear of falling, and reduced physical function highlights risks to independence.
- A comprehensive, multifactorial approach is recommended for managing dizziness in the elderly population.
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