Article

The aim of this study was to determine the rate of change in falls
risk and balance and mobility performance in people with Alzheimer disease (AD)
compared with those of healthy older people over a 1-yr period. DESIGN: A 1-yr
follow-up study of change in levels of falls risk, balance, and mobility
performance in 15 community-dwelling older people with mild to moderate AD and 15
healthy age-matched older people was conducted. Each participant completed a
comprehensive assessment of balance and mobility, falls and falls risk, and level
of physical activity at baseline and 1 yr later. RESULTS: The rate of increase in
the number of falls and risk of falling was greater in people with AD. The rate
of deterioration on a number of balance and mobility measures was also
significantly greater in people with AD compared with the healthy older people.
CONCLUSIONS: People with mild to moderate AD have an increased rate of decline in
falls risk, balance, and mobility over a 12-mo period compared with age-matched
healthy older people. Given this increased rate of decline, intermittent review
of falls, balance and mobility, and interventions to address identified
contributory risk factors should be considered by health practitioners.

Langue : ANGLAIS