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Poor balance and lower gray matter volume predict falls in older adults with mild cognitive impairment

Hyuma Makizako, Hiroyuki Shimada, Takehiko Doi

    BMC Neurology
    |August 7, 2013
    PubMed
    Abstract

    Insights

    Poor balance and reduced gray matter in frontal brain regions predict falls in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Maintaining physical function and brain health may reduce fall risk in this population.

    Area of Science:

    • Gerontology
    • Neuroscience
    • Clinical Medicine

    Background:

    • Falls are a significant risk in older adults, particularly those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
    • MCI is linked to accelerated brain volume reduction and increased fall risk.
    • This study investigates the relationship between physical performance, brain structure, and falls in individuals with MCI.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To examine the association between baseline physical performance and gray matter volume with fall incidence over 12 months.
    • To identify predictive factors for falls in community-dwelling older adults with MCI.

    Main Methods:

    • 42 older adults with MCI underwent MRI and physical assessments (strength, balance, walking speed).
    • Participants were monitored for falls over a 12-month period.
    • Voxel-based morphometry analyzed gray matter volume differences between fallers and non-fallers.

    Main Results:

    • 26.2% of participants experienced at least one fall.
    • Fallers had significantly slower walking speed and poorer one-legged standing time.
    • Reduced gray matter volume in the bilateral middle and superior frontal gyri was observed in fallers.

    Conclusions:

    • One-legged standing time, a measure of balance, significantly predicted falls.
    • Lower gray matter density in specific frontal regions is associated with falls in older adults with MCI.
    • Interventions targeting physical function (especially balance) and brain health may mitigate fall risk in MCI.

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