Abstract
AbstractDizziness is a common complaint among older adults. AimTo identify the prevalence of dizziness and its related factors in a sample of community-dwelling older adults. MethodsA prospective population-based study with a representative sample of older adults aged 65 years and over. A multidimensional questionnaire and a battery of measures were used for assessing physical function. ResultsThe prevalence of dizziness was 45%. Vertigo was found in 70.4% of older adults with dizziness and 43.8% of them referred vertigo crises along life. A significant association was found between dizziness and female gender (p=0.004), memory difficulties complaints (p=0.015), bad health perception (p=0.001), depression (p<0.0001), five or more comorbidities (p=0.021), self-reported fatigue (p<0.0001), recurrent falls (p=0.001), excessive sleepiness (p=0.003), fear of falling (p<0.0001), left leg unipedal stance (p=0.002) and Short Performance Physical Battery score (p=0.009). ConclusionDizziness is a common complaint among older adults and it is associated with limiting clinical conditions, such as depression, fatigue, excessive sleepiness and impaired memory. It is highlighted the association between dizziness and recurrent falls, fear of falling and lower performance in physical function tests, which can restrict independence. These data suggest the importance of a multifactorial approach to dizziness in older adults.
Highlights
Dizziness is a frequent complaint in the elderly population, and its prevalence increases significantly with age[1,2,3,4,5]
Dizziness is a common complaint among older adults and it is associated with limiting clinical conditions, such as depression, fatigue, excessive sleepiness and impaired memory
It is highlighted the association between dizziness and recurrent falls, fear of falling and lower performance in physical function tests, which can restrict independence
Summary
Dizziness is a frequent complaint in the elderly population, and its prevalence increases significantly with age[1,2,3,4,5]. Recent population studies have reported a prevalence ranging from 11.0% to 32.5%6-8. A longitudinal study of elderly patients aged 65 years and over found that the prevalence of dizziness within the past six months among subjects aged 70 years was 27%, and that among patients aged 90 years or more it was 54%4. The prevalence of dizziness is higher is women than men (the male/female incidence in one year is 1:2.7)[2]. Dizziness and vertigo are associated with an increased risk of falls and loss of function, which may results in a substantial loss of independence and worse quality of life in this population group[1,10,11,12]
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