Degree of functional impairment associated with vestibular hypofunction among older adults with cognitive decline

OBJECTIVE Considering the altered multisensory signal compensation during senescence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the integration rearrangements in unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH) during age-related cognitive decline. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Longitudinal cohort study unit and of University tertiary referral center. PATIENTS Older UVH individuals ≥ 55 years with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer Disease (AD) and matched UVH control group with age-appropriate cognitive function. INTERVENTION Vestibulo-ocular reflex, postural sway examination (respectively performed by means of video head impulse test and static posturography), and dizziness-related and quality of life scores were collected in all three groups of UVH patients cognitively evaluated by means of Mini Mental State Examination and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-cog). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Vestibulo-ocular reflex gain, length, surface, and spectral values of body oscillation were measured. Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale, and Dynamic Gait Index scores were collected. RESULTS A significant (p