Background:
Balance disturbances in elderly increases the risk of
fall and fracture. Cognitive impairment is one of the factors that supposed to influence balance disturbance in elderly. This study aims to determine the association between cognitive and balance function in elderly.
Methods:
This is a cross sectional study. Subjects are 110 elderly, men and women. Cognitive function was assessed by Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). MMSE score under 26 was classified as ‘have cognitive impairment’. Balance function was assessed by Berg Balance Scale (BBS). BBS score was divide
d into 3 categories specifically no balance disturbance, mild balance disturbance, and severe balance disturbance. Chi square was used to test the association between cognitive and balance function level of
significance was set at p < 0,05.
Results:
There were 41 subjects (37,3%) who had cognitive impairment and 46 subjects (41,8%) who had balance disturbance. 31 subjects (67,4%) among balance disturbance’s subjects had cognitive impairment.
Chi square test showed the association between cognitive and balance function (p = 0,00).
Conclusion:
Elderly with cognitive impairment have a greater risk to have balance disturbance. |