Gait characteristics in older adults with higher-level gait disorders during normal, dual-task, and destabilising walking conditions at home and their association with cognitive impairment.

Background: Gait disorders are common among older adults and contribute to falls and immobility. This study aimed to explore gait characteristics in older adults with higher-level gait disorders during normal, dual-task, and destabilising walking conditions at home, and their association with cognitive impairment.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the community with two groups (n = 60): older adults with higher-level gait disorders and an age- and gender-matched non-gait disorder (control) group.

A Safe Mobilisation Program to Improve Functional Mobility and Reduce Fall Risks in Cognitively Impaired Older Adults with Higher Level Gait Disorders: A Pilot Study.

Background: The association between gait and cognition, and their combined impact on postural stability may underlie the increased fall risk in older adults with dementia. However, there are few interventions to improve functional mobility and reduce fall risks in people with cognitive impairment.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a Safe Mobilisation Program for cognitively impaired older adults with higher level gait disorders.

Review of Gait, Cognition, and Fall Risks with Implications for Fall Prevention in Older Adults with Dementia.

Background: Older people with cognitive impairment are at increased risk of falls; however, fall prevention strategies have limited success in this population. The aim of this paper is to review the literature to inform a theoretical framework for fall prevention in older adults with dementia.

Summary: A narrative review was conducted on fall risk factors in people with cognitive impairment, the relationship between cognition and gait, and their joint impact on the risk of falls.

Interventions to Improve Gait in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: To review intervention programs that measure gait to investigate what features of the intervention may contribute to improving gait in older adults with cognitive impairment or dementia.

Design: Systematic review using Medline, Cinahl, Scopus, PsychInfo, Amed, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed for original research published in English between January 1, 2000, and July 23, 2018, to identify interventional controlled trials. Narrative synthesis was undertaken.