Determination of balance, fall risk, and kinesiophobia in individuals with Alzheimer’s Dementia

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine balance, fall risk, and kinesiophobia in individuals with Alzheimer’s Dementia (AD).MethodsThe study was completed with 18 AD and 18 healthy AD-free control group with early or moderate-stage AD diagnosed by a neurologist. Socio-demographic characteristics of t...

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Main Authors: Oğuzhan Doğancı, Meral Sertel
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-03-01
Series:Frontiers in Psychology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1535440/full
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author Oğuzhan Doğancı
Meral Sertel
author_facet Oğuzhan Doğancı
Meral Sertel
author_sort Oğuzhan Doğancı
collection DOAJ
description ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine balance, fall risk, and kinesiophobia in individuals with Alzheimer’s Dementia (AD).MethodsThe study was completed with 18 AD and 18 healthy AD-free control group with early or moderate-stage AD diagnosed by a neurologist. Socio-demographic characteristics of the individuals were assessed using an evaluation form, and their balance was evaluated using the Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment Test, Timed Up and Go Test, and Single Leg Standing Test. The Falls Risk Self-Assessment Scale (FRSAS) was used to assess the risk of falls. Kinesiophobia was assessed using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TKS). Additionally, participants underwent the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).ResultThe mean age of individuals with AD was lower than that of healthy individuals, with means of 69 ± 3.66 years and 65.4 ± 4.10 years, respectively (p = 0.012). The Tinetti balance (p = 0.005), Tinetti gait (p < 0.001), Tinetti total (p < 0.001), and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) (p < 0,001) scores were lower in AD individuals relative to controls. The FRSAS (p < 0.001) scores were higher in AD individuals relative to controls. The TKS scores were found to be similar between individuals with AD and the control group (p = 0.860).ConclusionIt was found that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have poorer balance and a higher risk of falls compared to healthy individuals. In light of these results, balance assessments should be included when developing rehabilitation protocols for individuals with AD. Treatment protocols designed for this patient group must incorporate balance-specific exercise and training programs. Additionally, individual and environmental preventive measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of falls in individuals with AD.Clinical trial registrationClinical Trial Number: NCT05201768.
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spelling doaj-art-590e00c8f6fa428abbdbbf7f1819470a2025-08-20T02:56:43ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782025-03-011610.3389/fpsyg.2025.15354401535440Determination of balance, fall risk, and kinesiophobia in individuals with Alzheimer’s DementiaOğuzhan Doğancı0Meral Sertel1Ministry of Internal Affairs the Rebublic of Turkey, Kastamonu District Governorship, Kastamonu, TürkiyeHealth Sciences Faculty Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, TürkiyeObjectiveThis study aimed to determine balance, fall risk, and kinesiophobia in individuals with Alzheimer’s Dementia (AD).MethodsThe study was completed with 18 AD and 18 healthy AD-free control group with early or moderate-stage AD diagnosed by a neurologist. Socio-demographic characteristics of the individuals were assessed using an evaluation form, and their balance was evaluated using the Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment Test, Timed Up and Go Test, and Single Leg Standing Test. The Falls Risk Self-Assessment Scale (FRSAS) was used to assess the risk of falls. Kinesiophobia was assessed using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TKS). Additionally, participants underwent the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).ResultThe mean age of individuals with AD was lower than that of healthy individuals, with means of 69 ± 3.66 years and 65.4 ± 4.10 years, respectively (p = 0.012). The Tinetti balance (p = 0.005), Tinetti gait (p < 0.001), Tinetti total (p < 0.001), and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) (p < 0,001) scores were lower in AD individuals relative to controls. The FRSAS (p < 0.001) scores were higher in AD individuals relative to controls. The TKS scores were found to be similar between individuals with AD and the control group (p = 0.860).ConclusionIt was found that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have poorer balance and a higher risk of falls compared to healthy individuals. In light of these results, balance assessments should be included when developing rehabilitation protocols for individuals with AD. Treatment protocols designed for this patient group must incorporate balance-specific exercise and training programs. Additionally, individual and environmental preventive measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of falls in individuals with AD.Clinical trial registrationClinical Trial Number: NCT05201768.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1535440/fullAlzheimer’s diseasebalancefall riskkinesiophobiagait
spellingShingle Oğuzhan Doğancı
Meral Sertel
Determination of balance, fall risk, and kinesiophobia in individuals with Alzheimer’s Dementia
Frontiers in Psychology
Alzheimer’s disease
balance
fall risk
kinesiophobia
gait
title Determination of balance, fall risk, and kinesiophobia in individuals with Alzheimer’s Dementia
title_full Determination of balance, fall risk, and kinesiophobia in individuals with Alzheimer’s Dementia
title_fullStr Determination of balance, fall risk, and kinesiophobia in individuals with Alzheimer’s Dementia
title_full_unstemmed Determination of balance, fall risk, and kinesiophobia in individuals with Alzheimer’s Dementia
title_short Determination of balance, fall risk, and kinesiophobia in individuals with Alzheimer’s Dementia
title_sort determination of balance fall risk and kinesiophobia in individuals with alzheimer s dementia
topic Alzheimer’s disease
balance
fall risk
kinesiophobia
gait
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1535440/full
work_keys_str_mv AT oguzhandogancı determinationofbalancefallriskandkinesiophobiainindividualswithalzheimersdementia
AT meralsertel determinationofbalancefallriskandkinesiophobiainindividualswithalzheimersdementia