Biomarkers of aging and falling: The Beaver Dam eye study

Abstract

Falls are an important cause of morbidity in older adults and are an important source of health care spending. We hypothesize that falls are associated with systemic biomarkers of aging. The following functions, measured at the 1998-2000 and 2003-05 examinations of the Beaver Dam Eye study, were considered to be biomarkers of aging (frailties): poorer visual acuity, contrast sensitivity or discrepant vision between the eyes, inability to rise from a chair, slower gait time, poorer hand grip strength, and lower peak expiratory flow rate. We found that poorer values on biomarkers of aging (frailties) at the 1998-2000 examination were associated with 2 or more reported falls in the past year at the 2003-05 examination (p < 0.05 for all markers except peak expiratory flow rate). When the markers were combined as an index of biological aging (frailty), the index was significantly associated with falls after controlling for significant confounders (odds ratio per 1 step increase in the index: 1.33; 95% confidence interval = CI = 1.13-1.57) We conclude that biomarkers of aging, including any of three measures of visual function, are associated with falls. Improvement in these functional measures may lead to decreased risk of falls.

Prevalence and Visual Risk Factors for Falls in Bilateral Cataract Patients in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

“…[15][16][17][18][19] However, recent research has found that reduced contrast sensitivity and depth perception are more important visual risk factors for falls. 14,16,[20][21][22] It should be noted that the majority of existing studies were conducted in developed countries, using the general older population. No study has examined visual risk factors for falls among cataract patients specifically and no study has been conducted in Vietnam, where older adults have much poorer vision than in developed countries.…”

Oculo‐visual changes and clinical considerations affecting older patients with dementia

“…242 On the other hand, vision loss can contribute to depression, 243 isolation, 243 disruptive behaviors 244 and falls. 245 Therefore, eye care professionals can confidently offer evidence-based therapies to older individuals having an ocular condition necessitating treatment, knowing that not only will their vision improve, but so will many other aspects of their life.…”

Relationship between socioeconomic and lifestyle factors and cataracts in Koreans: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008–2011

“…All of these difficulties contribute to an extensive economic burden to the society. [4][5][6] Therefore, early identification and modification of the risk factors for cataracts are meaningful from a public health perspective. A growing body of research has been conducted to investigate risk factors associated with the development and progression of age-related cataracts.…”