Comparing Executive Function, Evoked Haemodynamic Response, and Gait as Predictors of Variations in Mobility for Older Adults
Date
2018
Authors
Halliday, Drew W. R.
Hundza, Sandra R.
Garcia-Barrera, Mauricio A.
Klimstra, Marc
Commandeur, Drew
Lukyn, Timothy V.
Stawski, Robert S.
MacDonald, Stuart W. S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology
Abstract
Objective: Falls represent a major concern for older adults and may serve as clinically salient index events for those presenting in the prodromal stages of Mild Cognitive Impairment. Declines in executive function performance and in gait consistency have shown promise in predicting fall risk, however associated neurophysiological underpinnings have received less attention. In this study, we used a multimodal approach to assess fall risk in a group of older adults with and without a previous fall history.
Method: Processing speed, inductive reasoning, verbal fluency, crystallized ability, episodic memory and executive functioning were assessed using standardized neuropsychological tests. Cognitive interference was assessed using the Multi-Source Interference Task. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were assessed with and without cognitive load using a 6.4m instrumented walkway. Haemodynamic responses were measured using functional near infrared spectroscopy.
Results: Whereas no group differences were observed in cognitive behavioural performance, during a cognitive interference task fallers displayed more oxygenated haemoglobin across the prefrontal cortex relative to non-fallers, suggesting that engaging in the cognitive task was more effortful for them overall, therefore eliciting greater cortical activation. Between group differences in spatial as well as temporal gait parameters were also observed.
Conclusions: These results are in keeping with assertions that diminished executive control is related to fall risk. Notably, the group differences observed in prefrontal cortical activation and in gait parameters may ultimately precede those observed in cognitive behavioural performance, with implications for measurement sensitivity and early identification.
Description
Keywords
fall risk, aging, multimodal assessment, functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), variability, Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health
Citation
Halliday, D.W.R., Hundza, S.R., Garcia-Barrera, M.A., Klimstra, M., Commandeur, D., Lukyn, T.V., Stawski, R.S., MacDonald, S.W.S. (2018). Comparing Individual Differences in Inconsistency and Plasticity as Predictors of Cognitive Function in Older Adults. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 38(5), 534- 550. https://doi.org/10.1080/13803395.2017.1325453