Effect of sensory integrity and cognitive functions on fall history, balance and quality of life in elderly individuals

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study is to examine the effects of sensory integrity and cognitive functions on fall history, balance and quality of life in elderly individuals. Materials and Methods After obtaining the sociodemographic information of the elderly individuals included in the study; Pattern Copying, Kinesthesia and Right-Left Discrimination, which is a subtest of the Ayres Southern California Sensory Integrity Test to evaluate sensory integrity, the Standing Balance Test for balance abilities, the Hodkinson Mental Test for cognitive abilities, the history of falling in the last year for fall situations, and the EuroQol General Quality of Life Scale (EQ-5D-3L) were used to assess the quality of life and life satisfaction. Results The study involved 44 volunteers with a mean age of 69.52 +/- 4.25 years. Cognitive ability, standing balance, and life satisfaction of elderly individuals with a fall history were worse than those without a fall history. The study also found that cognition and life satisfaction were affected by fall history. Older individuals who were more successful in pattern copying had better balance. A moderate correlation was found between cognitive ability and pattern copying (r=0.591), balance (rdominant=0.385; rnondominant=0.403), and quality of life (r=-0.399) (p<0.05). Conclusion The results suggest that elderly individuals need sensory integration and cognitively supportive treatment approaches to improve balance functions and reduce fall risk.