Cerebral Blood Flow and Dual-Task Standing: Age-Dependent Links, with DFU/Neuropathy Exclusions
Summary: In 47 healthy adults (23 younger: 26±3y; 24 older: 76±6y), transcranial Doppler measured middle cerebral artery CBF during standing n-back tasks (IdX control, 2-back demanding). Older adults showed lower CBF, greater postural sway, and less efficient cognition. CBF-posture links varied: positive (compensatory) in older during IdX; higher CBF tied to worse sway across ages in 2-back, but better efficiency in older. Exclusions included self-reported DFU or severe diabetic neuropathy, underscoring these as confounders in postural research—relevant for early diabetic foot care to prevent falls via balance training.
Key Highlights:
- Findings: Older: ↓CBF, ↑sway, ↑BIS (less efficient); age×CBF interaction on path length (p=0.03 IdX), BIS (p=0.01 2-back).
- Exclusions: Insulin-dependent diabetes, DFU, severe neuropathy—to isolate healthy aging effects.
- Implications: Greater CBF reliance in older adults under load; early neuropathy screening could mitigate fall risks in diabetes.
- Relevance: Highlights DFU/neuropathy as postural disruptors, informing preventive wound care strategies.
- Authors: Jor’dan AJ, Iloputaife I, Yu W et al.
Keywords: diabetic foot ulcer, diabetic neuropathy, cerebral blood flow, postural control, dual task, aging