Citation

Trevisan C, Noale M, Imoscopi A, Bigolaro C, Derni C, Agio E, Dal Ben S, Ceccato M, Tono F, Maggi S, Welmer AK, Sergi G. Geriatr. Nurs. 2022; 47: 100-106.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.gerinurse.2022.07.001

PMID

35901577

Abstract

This prospective study evaluated cognitive and physical trajectories of nursing home (NH) residents after fall occurrence and their predictors. In 167 residents aged ≥60, we considered the closest pre-fall assessment and up to the first three post-fall assessments of cognitive and physical functions performed through Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Tinetti tests. Mixture models identified three post-fall cognitive and physical trajectories: stability, slow decline, and rapid decline. At logistic regression, older age, fewer informal visits, and falls within one month from institutionalization increased the probability of experiencing a decline in MMSE and Tinetti scores. Worse pre-fall cognitive function increased the likelihood of cognitive and physical decline, while worse pre-fall Tinetti score negatively impacted only physical decline. In conclusion, the impact of falls on the cognitive and physical health of NH residents may be modulated by their pre-fall cognitive function and some modifiable factors, such as social interactions and physical function.

Language: en

Keywords

Cognition; Accidental falls; Nursing homes; Physical performance