ASSOCIATION BETWEEN COGNITIVE FUNCTION WITH RISK OF FALL IN ELDERLY PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Fall is a problem that often occurs in the elderly. The incidence of falls continues to increase from middle age and peaks at the age of more than 80 years. The risk of fall is closely related to cognitive impairment in the elderly. Impaired cognitive function can result in postural instability and increase the risk of falls. Impaired cognitive function causes poor judgment and decision making, impaired reaction, attention and speed of information processing.

Objectives: To determine the relationship of cognitive function with the risk of fall in elderly patients.

Research Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study with consecutive sampling techniques, where elderly people over 60 years who go to neurology and geriatric polyclinics who meet the exclusion and inclusion criteria are included in this study. The study was taken as many as 51 subjects consecutively. Data analysis using fisher exact test and pearson correlation test.

Result of the study: Demographic characteristics of research subjects are the most age range at age 60-69 years, female sex, high school education level, housewife occupation. The average MoCA INA score was 22,82 ± 3,99 and the balance scale berg score was 46.29 ± 6.62. The abnormal MoCA INA score is more for respondents with moderate fall risk, namely 14 people (38,9%) and there was a relationship between cognitive function and risk of fall with p = 0.000 (p <0.001) with a positive correlation direction with strong correlation strength (r = 0.679).

Conclusion: there is a significant relationship between cognitive function and the risk of fall in the elderly.