Comparison of Functional Mobility Performances of People with Alzheimer's Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Cognitively Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Background: One of the important factors that make it difficult to carry out activities of daily living independently is the decrease in functional mobility. Mobility-related disability is a major public health issue that reduces the quality of life and increases the need for care, the burden, and the cost of care. However, in the early stages of dementia, the deterioration in motor skills is often overlooked. This study aimed to compare the mobility performance of healthy individuals and people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (pwMCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (pwAD). Method: Cognitive level was measured with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and mobility performance was measured using Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and 5 Times Sit to Stand Test (5XSTST). Statistical analysis was performed using One Way ANOVA in SPSS v.26 and the level of significance was accepted as p<0.05. Results: 36 pwAD (Age: 74.90±9.25, 53.12% Female), 14 pwMCI (Age: 63.82±12.55 years, 52.6% Female), and 10 cognitively healthy individuals (Age: 60.25±10.23 years, 82% Female) were included the study. The mean of MoCA scores were 12.62±6.36, 22.25±3.04 and 28.5±0.5; TUG results were 15.34±11.83 sec, 7.47±1.41 sec and 6.86±1.98 sec; 5XSTST results were 16,31±7.75 sec, 11.06±1.98 sec and 9.34±2.37 sec. A significant difference was found between the three groups in terms of TUG and 5XSTST results (p = 0.027, p = 0.015, respectively). Conclusion: In pwAD and pwMCI, the decrease in cognition appears to be accompanied by impairment in functional mobility. Motor skills should be evaluated not only in AD diagnosis but also during the prodromal stage to provide early intervention for loss of motor function. Improving motor function should be added to rehabilitation goals before impaired functional mobility begins to affect activities of daily living.