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Influence of frailty and cognitive decline on dual task performance in older adults: an analytical cross-sectional
Francine Golghetto Casemiro1, Lucas Pelegrini Nogueira de Carvalho2, Fernanda de Brito Matiello1,3
1Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
Objective:
to analyze the influence of frailty and cognitive decline on dual-task performance in older adults.
Methods:
cross-sectional study carried out with older adults at a geriatrics outpatient clinic, in São Paulo. Sociodemographic data, cognitive performance, frailty phenotype, gait speed and dual-task assessments were used. The analysis was descriptive, combined with a multiple linear regression model.
Results:
219 older adults participated, with a mean age of 72.55 years, aged between 60 and 79 years (82.65%) and predominantly female (70.32%). Among them, 86 (39.27%) were frail and 123 (57.48%) presented cognitive decline. The mean time for simple walking was 15.95 (7.02) seconds; for the motor dual-task, 17.64 (8.44) seconds; and for the cognitive dual-task, 23.88 (11.87) seconds. Women without a partner, living with family, and with low education (0-4 years) required more time to perform both the cognitive and motor dual-tasks compared to the time for simple walking. Frail older adults exhibited impared gait performance, both in simple and dual motor/cognitive tasks.
Conclusion:
frail older adults experienced a significant decline in performance in simple gait and in dual motor/cognitive tasks, with no difference in performance between those with and without cognitive decline. Multidisciplinary interventions should focus on promoting the health of older adults.
Background:
(1) Frailty and sarcopenia are important syndromes that need to be assessed in older adults. (2) Older adults with T2DM have a higher vulnerability to developing frailty. (3) Nurses should implement preventive measures to address frailty and sarcopenia.
