Age-related changes in attentional capacity and the ability to multi-task as a predictor for falls in adults aged 75 years and older

Abstract

[Purpose] Examine the age-related deterioration of attentional capacity and predictive validity of multi tasking performances for falls in adults aged 75 and older. [Methods] This study involved 45 elderly individuals and 15 healthy and young volunteers. Reaction times to a visual stimulus were measured under three different conditions: 1) stepping in place (dual-tasking condition with dynamic balance demands); 2) counting backwards during quiet standing (dual-tasking condition with cognitive demands); and 3) counting backwards while stepping in place (triple-tasking condition). The participating elderly individuals reported subsequent falls after a 5-month follow-up period. [Results] Elderly adults demonstrated significantly longer reaction time responses in all task conditions in comparison to young adults. There were statistically significant differences in reaction times between fallers and non-fallers during dual tasking conditions, but not during triple-tasking conditions. The slower reaction times during dual-tasking conditions with dynamic balance demands were significantly related to the occurrence of subsequent falls, whereas there was only a weak association in model-adjusted physical performance tests. [Conclusions] Attentional capacity in multi-tasking conditions decreases with aging. Slow reaction time response during dual-tasking conditions with dynamic balance demands may be a predictor of falls in adults aged 75 and older.