Dual‑task performance in old adults: cognitive, functional, psychosocial and socio‑demographic variables

Abstract

Background Dual tasking, or the ability to executing two tasks simultaneously, has been used in recent research to predict cognitive impairments, physical frailty, and has been linked with cognitive frailty in old adults. Aim This study aimed to determine age-related variables can predict dual-task (DT) performance in the older population. Methods A total of 258 healthy community-dwelling participants + 60 years were assessed in relation to their functional capacity, health, well-being, social support and years of education. Performance of a cognitive (Fluency) task and a cognitive– motor (Tracking) task was recorded under single and DT conditions. Multiple linear regression analysis was carried out for each dependent variable, in separate models including cognitive, functional and psychosocial variables. Results Performance in Fluency in DT conditions was predicted by cognitive variables, whereas performance in Tracking DT conditions was predicted by positive interaction, health status, age and motor variables. Discussion The findings suggest that a wide range of cognitive, psychological, social, physical and functional variables influence cognitive and motor performance in aging. Conclusion DT methodology is sensitive to different age-related changes and could be related to frailty conditions in aging.