Dual-task performance in seniors with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease: a longitudinal study

Authors

  • Danielle C. P. S. Silva Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
  • Juliana H. Ansai Department of Gerontology, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
  • Laura M. Melo Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
  • Ana Carolina V. Ferreira Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
  • Paulo G. Rossi Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
  • Francisco A. C. Vale Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
  • Larissa P. Andrade Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20338/bjmb.v16i5.309

Keywords:

Alzheimer’s disease, Dual task, Cognitive Impairment, Older adults, Timed Up and Go test

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Motor performance in older adults with cognitive impairment is worse under dual task conditions, increasing the risk of falls. However, there is a lack of studies that analyze this performance over time in people with different cognitive profiles.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the performance of an isolated task and a dual task in people with preserved cognition (PrC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer`s disease (AD).

METHOD: Data were collected on two occasions (T1; T2), thirty-two months apart. Participants (n=51) were separated between groups: PrC (n=22), MCI (n=19) and AD (n=10). They were analyzed in three situations: 1) isolated motor task - Timed up and go test (TUGT); 2) cognitive-motor test (CMT)– dialing on the phone; 3) dual task (DT). To compare the performance of the dual task between the groups, delta was calculated and the ANCOVA test was applied.

RESULTS: Although the cost of the dual task was not significantly different over time in any group, we found increases in the time required to complete the TUGT (p<0.01) and TUGT-DT (p>0.01) after 32 months in the AD group and a reduction in time in the PrC and MCI groups.  A greater number of steps in the TUGT-DT (p<0.01) and an increase in cadence in the TUGT (p=0.01) and TUGT-DT (p<0.01) were also found in the AD group.

CONCLUSION:We suggest that a more functional task, such as walking while typing on the phone, may be considered a more sensitive way of assessing older adults with AD.

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Published

2022-12-15

How to Cite

Silva, D. C. P. S., Ansai, J. H., Melo, L. M., Ferreira, A. C. V., Rossi, P. G., Vale, F. A. C., & Andrade, L. P. (2022). Dual-task performance in seniors with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease: a longitudinal study. Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior, 16(5), 352–361. https://doi.org/10.20338/bjmb.v16i5.309

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Section

Special issue "Effects of aging on locomotor patterns"

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