Cognitive Function, Diabetes, and Recurrent Falls: From the Health ABC Study

We examined interrelationships between diabetes, cognitive performance, and recurrent falls among community-dwelling older adults. The Health, Aging and Body Composition study enrolled men and women ages 70-79, free of mobility limitation. Diabetes was determined at baseline. Recurrent falls, cognitive scores on the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and physical performance were assessed over 10 years. Participants with diabetes had higher odds of recurrent falls (OR = 1.38; 95% CI = [1.10; 1.72]; p = .005). After controlling for physical function, the association between diabetes and falls was not significant (OR = 1.23; 95% CI = [0.98; 1.55]; p = .074). Those with higher cognitive scores had lower odds of recurrent falls, irrespective of physical function (OR = 0.96; 95% CI = [0.95; 0.98]; p < .001). Associations between cognition and recurrent falls were similar for participants with and without diabetes. Results suggest physical function may influence the relationship between diabetes and recurrent falls, but maintaining cognitive function is associated with reduced fall risk regardless of diabetes status.