New Study Links Cognitive Function to Fall Risk in Older People

Falls are a major health concern among community-dwelling older Australians, with around one in three people aged 65 and over experiencing a fall each year. Falls are a leading cause of injury-related hospitalisations and can significantly impact an individual’s mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.

The research led by Dr Daina Sturnieks systematically reviewed 38 studies involving over 37,000 participants, evaluating which specific cognitive functions most strongly predict falls among community-dwelling older people.

The findings underscore the importance of certain cognitive domains, particularly processing speed and mental flexibility, in contributing to fall risk. Individuals who performed poorly on tasks requiring quick information processing and adaptability, such as the Trail Making Test, were at a higher risk of falling.

Cognitive functions, such as free recall and working memory, were also significantly associated with falls, although to a lesser degree. Verbal fluency and visual perception, typically considered key contributors to falls, were not strongly linked to fall risk.

"Our study supports the use of the Trail Making Test, as an accessible and effective screening tool for assessing fall risk related cognitive impairment in older adults. This test not only evaluates processing speed but also mental flexibility, two key factors that are shown to be associated with fall risk." says Dr Sturnieks.

“The findings of this study help in identifying which cognitive assessments to incorporate into fall screening or assessment that could help identify high-risk individuals earlier. With falls remaining a significant barrier to optimal ageing, it is helpful to understand the relative contributions of specific cognitive function to fall risk, offering valuable guidance for future fall prediction and prevention initiatives.”

Read the full publication here.