Correlation between functionality, mobility and risk of falls in elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract To evaluate functional capacity, mobility and balance in elderly patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD), in its mild, moderate and severe forms, verifying the existence of correlation among these parameters. Eighty-eight elderly patients (81.79 ± 6.54 years) diagnosed with AD treated at an elderly care reference center in Taguatinga-DF were selected, and information was collected between November 2018 and March 2019. Data collection was initially made by filling in the evaluation form. Subsequently, two questionnaires were administered to caregivers (Clinical Dementia Rating-CDR and Disability Assessment for Dementia -DAD) and two tests to demented patients (Southampton Assessment of Mobility-SAM-Br and Timed Up and Go-TUG). Variables were correlated using the SPSS software version 22 using Pearson's correlation, with significance level p?0.05. The following results were obtained: 1. weak correlations between CDR and DAD (p = 0.04; r = -0.31) with significant difference; 2. strong correlation and significant difference between CDR and TUG (p = 0.02; r = 0.87); 3. weak and non-significant correlation between CDR and SAM-Br (p = 0.14; r = -0.24); 4. significant difference and highly strong correlation between SAM-Br and TUG (p = 0.01; r = 0.70). Older adults with Alzheimer's disease present decreased functional capacity, mobility and risk of falls associated with the disease progression. SAM-Br and TUG tools showed strong correlation and, although it is a generic measure, TUG showed strong correlation with AD progression, and may be a predictive test for the risk of falls in this population.