Correlation between vestibular dysfunction with worse cognitive outcomes in the elderly

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundthe vestibular system has neural connections from the vestibular nucleus to limbic and cortical areas, involved in both cognition and spatial orientation. The superior vestibular cortex consists of a network that interacts with other sensory systems, such as visual, sensorimotor, motor and cognition. Studies have found structural changes in the brain of patients with persistent perceptual postural dizziness (PPPD) when compared to controls, particularly in visual, vestibular and limbic areas, including a decrease in gray matter volume and turnover, a decrease in blood flow to the cortex region.Methodcross‐sectional, observational and analytical study. The sample consisted of 50 elderly people, of both sexes, aged between 60 and 86 years. Elderly individuals with vestibular dysfunction confirmed by Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) and Video Head Impulse Test (v‐HIT) tests were included. Balance and the impact of dizziness on quality of life were evaluated through tests and vestibular scales. Cognition, functioning and depression were assessed in a quiet room using tests and scales. Univariate analysis was performed using the Spearman test. Variables that presented correlation ≤ 0.2 were selected for multivariate analysis by linear regression. A significance level of 5% was adopted (p< 0.05).Resultthere was a correlation between vestibular dysfunction and imbalance with the results of neuropsychological assessment (p = 0.000), depressive symptoms (p = 0.001) and functionality (p = 0.002).Conclusionin this present study, a correlation was found between vestibular dysfunction and imbalance with the worst clinical and functional indices, worse functionality, depressive symptoms and in visuospatial function skills, executive functions and praxis.