Dual-task perturbation assessment and training among older adults with mild cognitive impairment

This study examines the biomechanical, neuromuscular, and cognitive factors contributing to falling risk in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, a prodromal stage of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia (ADRD), compared to cognitively intact healthy older adults. The study aims to identify impairments in reactive balance control during exposure to standing and walking perturbations and explore the relationship between these impairments and brain structure, cognition, and fall history in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Additionally, this clinical trial evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel 4-week perturbation-based cognitive-motor training designed to improve balance control and reduce falls over 1 year among older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Project title: Neuromechanisms of falls in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: Targeting assessment and training of reactive balance control

Funding Agency: National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Grant Account Number: R01AG073152

Principal Investigator: Tanvi Bhatt