Relationship between vestibular alterations and cognitive performance in adults and older adults

To analyze the influence of vestibular changes on the cognitive performance of adults and elderly people, with 11 or more years of study.

Observational, cross-sectional, and quantitative study that evaluates the vestibular system and cognitive profile of adults and elderly individuals with 11 or more years of study. The balance assessment consisted of the Head Impulse Test video examination and positioning maneuvers (Dix-Hallpike and Head Roll Test). Cognition was assessed using the Brief Neuropsychological Assessment Instrument - NEUPSILIN. The data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially, through a multiple linear regression using the SPSS 25.0 software, and a significance level of 5% was considered.

Study carried out with 60 participants. An association was observed between changes in vHIT and positive Dix Hallpike, which were related to worse performance in Verbal Memory. Increasing age was associated with worse performance in Working Memory and Long-Term Memory.

The presence of vestibular alterations was related to worse cognitive performances of adults and elderly people in tests of temporal-spatial orientation, attention, perception, arithmetic skills and verbal memory. Increasing age was associated with worse performance in working memory and long-term memory.