Abstract
Background: Falls are common among elderly adults, and are predictors of hospitalization, institutionalization and mortality.Objective: The objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between blood-based markers of inflammation and fall events in a sample of elderly Hispanic adults.Method: Data were collected from 190 participants enrolled in the Panama Aging Research Initiative study who completed baseline clinical and cognitive assessments. A non-fasting blood sample was obtained. Self-reported falls were classified as no falls, single falls or recurrent (two or more) falls reported in the 12 months prior to baseline evaluations. Serum levels of C Reactive Protein (CRP), T-lymphocyte secreting protein (I-309), interleukin 10 (IL-10), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 7 (IL-7) were measured. Global cognition was assessed with the Mini Mental State Examination and depressive symptoms were assessed with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30). Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the link between inflammation and fall events.Results: Depressive symptoms, limitations in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), IL-7 and I-309 were significantly related to fall events. Elevated levels of IL-7 increased the likelihood of single and recurrent falls, while increased levels of I-309 were associated only with recurrent falls. Greater IADL limitations and depressive symptoms were associated with an increased likelihood of recurrent falls.Conclusion: There is a lack of research investigating the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and fall events. These results provide evidence of risk factors for falls in Hispanic older adults, and could serve to guide public health professionals to establish clinical guidelines to reduce fall risks.
Highlights
Falls have a significant impact on health outcomes in the elderly [1]
These results provide evidence of risk factors for falls in Hispanic older adults, and could serve to guide public health professionals to establish clinical guidelines to reduce fall risks
We report that depressive symptoms and limitations in instrumental activities of daily living, as well as two inflammatory biomarkers, interleukin 7 (IL-7) and I-309, were associated with falls
Summary
Falls have a significant impact on health outcomes in the elderly [1]. As the number of falls increases elderly adults experience a greater risk of hospitalization and mortality. Fall-related injuries can result in physical limitations that impact the capacity to perform daily activities independently, place a significant burden on caregivers, and are a leading cause of institutionalization [2]. Depressive symptoms, which are common among older adults, have been shown to be associated with falls [3, 4]. Several studies have investigated the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and other age-related conditions, such as cognitive impairment and depression [8], few studies have focused on the relationship between inflammatory markers and falls. Falls are common among elderly adults, and are predictors of hospitalization, institutionalization and mortality
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