Influence of frailty and cognitive decline on dual task performance in older adults: an analytical cross-sectional study

Authors

  • Francine Golghetto Casemiro Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Centro Colaborador da OPAS/OMS para o Desenvolvimento da Pesquisa em Enfermagem, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8932-3604
  • Lucas Pelegrini Nogueira de Carvalho Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5027-2042
  • Fernanda de Brito Matiello Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Centro Colaborador da OPAS/OMS para o Desenvolvimento da Pesquisa em Enfermagem, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8617-5922
  • Marcela Cristina Resende Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6482-7179
  • Rosalina Aparecida Partezani Rodrigues Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Centro Colaborador da OPAS/OMS para o Desenvolvimento da Pesquisa em Enfermagem, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8916-1078

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.7159.4486

Keywords:

Aged , Frailty, Geriatric , Multitasking Behavior , Cognitive Dysfunction , Cognition

Abstract

Objective:  to analyze the influence of frailty and cognitive decline on dual-task performance in older adults. Methods: cross-sectional study carried out with older adults at a geriatrics outpatient clinic, in São Paulo. Sociodemographic data, cognitive performance, frailty phenotype, gait speed and dual-task assessments were used. The analysis was descriptive, combined with a multiple linear regression model. Results:  219 older adults participated, with a mean age of 72.55 years, aged between 60 and 79 years (82.65%) and predominantly female (70.32%). Among them, 86 (39.27%) were frail and 123 (57.48%) presented cognitive decline. The mean time for simple walking was 15.95 (7.02) seconds; for the motor dual-task, 17.64 (8.44) seconds; and for the cognitive dual-task, 23.88 (11.87) seconds. Women without a partner, living with family, and with low education (0-4 years) required more time to perform both the cognitive and motor dual-tasks compared to the time for simple walking. Frail older adults exhibited impared gait performance, both in simple and dual motor/cognitive tasks. Conclusion: frail older adults experienced a significant decline in performance in simple gait and in dual motor/cognitive tasks, with no difference in performance between those with and without cognitive decline. Multidisciplinary interventions should focus on promoting the health of older adults.

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Published

2025-02-17

Issue

Vol. 33 (2025)

Section

Original Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem

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How to Cite

Casemiro, F. G., Carvalho, L. P. N. de, Matiello, F. de B., Resende, M. C., & Rodrigues, R. A. P. (2025). Influence of frailty and cognitive decline on dual task performance in older adults: an analytical cross-sectional study. Revista Latino-Americana De Enfermagem, 33, e4486. https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.7159.4486