Falls Predict Faster Progression of Alzheimer Dementia
Author Information
Author(s): Keleman Audrey, Li Melody, Bollinger Rebecca, Krauss Melissa, Grant Elizabeth, Morris John, Stark Susan
Primary Institution: Washington University in St. Louis
Hypothesis
Falls may be associated with faster progression of dementia symptoms in individuals with preclinical Alzheimer's disease.
Conclusion
Falls are linked to a quicker progression of Alzheimer's dementia symptoms.
Supporting Evidence
- Preclinical AD+/Fall+ individuals progressed to CDR 1 most rapidly.
- Preclinical AD-/Fall- individuals progressed least quickly.
- Preclinical AD+/Fall- and Preclinical AD-/Fall+ groups had similar progression rates.
- Each group's proportional hazard of dementia progression differed significantly from healthy agers.
Takeaway
If older people with early signs of Alzheimer's disease fall, they might get worse faster than those who don't fall.
Methodology
The study monitored falls for 1 year among 124 cognitively unimpaired older adults and assessed their preclinical Alzheimer's status using amyloid PET, following them for 12 years.
Participant Demographics
Participants were on average 74 years old, 78% female, and 96% White.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.5
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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