Motoric cognitive risk syndrome: A review of fall risk assessment and management strategies

Abstract

The aging global population is driving an increase in dementia, making the early identification of at-risk individuals crucial. Studies have shown that elderly people often exhibit a slowing gait before dementia diagnosis, which is linked to cognitive decline and predicts dementia risk. With 30% of those over 65 years of age experiencing falls annually, managing fall risk is essential. Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), characterized by subjective memory impairment and slow gait, is a pre-dementia condition that can identify high-risk individuals without extensive evaluation. The prevalence of MCR varies globally and is associated with an increased risk of falls, disability, and death. Early screening and intervention for MCR can delay dementia and improve fall regulation, offering a new perspective on elderly health management. This review synthesizes the current understanding of MCR-related falls, evaluates risk assessment methods, and discusses health strategies to provide a theoretical basis for fall prevention in community-dwelling older adults.

Keywords: Motoric cognitive risk syndrome; Dementia; Gait slowing; Fall risk; Early intervention

Core Tip: This review highlights motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), a critical pre-dementia condition associated with an increased risk of falls in the elderly. This underscores the necessity for early MCR identification and tailored intervention strategies to mitigate fall risk, offering a novel approach to geriatric fall prevention. MCR, characterized by subjective memory impairment and gait slowing, requires focused assessment and management to enhance safety in the elderly population.