Neurological

Vestibular System Impairment Tied to Fall Risk in Alzheimer Patients

topics » Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

HealthDay News — The vestibular system is an important contributor to balance and fall risk in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), according to a study published online Feb. 14 in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Kevin Biju, from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, and colleagues conducted a prospective observational study to examine whether vestibular function contributes to balance and fall risk in 48 patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Vestibular function was assessed using measures of semicircular canal (vestibulo-ocular reflex gain) and saccular function (cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic response); Balance function was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale and quantitative posturography.

The researchers found that Alzheimer’s disease patients exhibited increased medio-lateral (ML) sway in eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions compared with matched controls. Better semicircular canal function in Alzheimer’s disease patients was associated with lower ML sway and antero-posterior sway in the eyes-closed position. In addition, there was an association observed for better saccular function with lower sway velocity. When adjusting for age, sex, and Mini-Mental State Examination score, there was a significant association noted between semicircular canal function and a lower likelihood of falls (hazard ratio, 0.65).

Continue Reading

“Vestibular impairment is treatable with balance exercises performed under the care of a physical therapist,” a coauthor said in a statement. “That could enhance the quality of life for both patients and caregivers.”

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Topics:

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Want to read more?

Please login or register first to view this content.

Login register

Open

Next post in Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Close


Close more info about Vestibular System Impairment Tied to Fall Risk in Alzheimer Patients

Loading…


Close more info about Vestibular System Impairment Tied to Fall Risk in Alzheimer Patients

Loading…


Close more info about Vestibular System Impairment Tied to Fall Risk in Alzheimer Patients

Loading…


Close more info about Vestibular System Impairment Tied to Fall Risk in Alzheimer Patients

Loading…

Want to view more content from Neurology Advisor?

Register now at no charge to access unlimited clinical news with personalized daily picks for youfull-length features, case studies, conference coverage, and more.

{{login button}} {{register button}}

Want to read more?

Please login or register first to view this content.

Login register

Related Articles