The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences
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J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Oct 2012
Brain white matter hyperintensities, executive dysfunction, instability, and falls in older people: a prospective cohort study.
White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are associated with fall risk factors in older people including reduced cognitive functioning and impaired balance and gait. This prospective study investigated relationships between WMHs, sensorimotor performance, executive functioning, and falls in a large sample of community-living older people. ⋯ Greater WMH burden predicts falls over 12 months, and the association between greater burden of WMHs and falls appears to be independent of reduced executive function and sensorimotor performance. Strategies to reduce the development and progression of WMHs may contribute to future falls prevention in older people.
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J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Oct 2012
Fatigability in osteoarthritis: effects of an activity bout on subsequent symptoms and activity.
Older adults with osteoarthritis (OA) are more likely to experience increased fatigue following bouts of physical activity than those without OA. The highly "fatigable" nature of this population is problematic as it has been linked to OA severity and decreased function. This study examined the effects of engaging in standardized lab-based physical tasks on subsequent fatigue, pain, and activity in older adults with OA. ⋯ Among older adults with OA, a bout of standardized physical activity resulted in increased fatigue and reduced activity, but effects were short-lived. Future studies will need to identify factors that differentiate people who are particularly fatigable in order to target interventions.