Physical Function Trajectories and Mortality in Older Adults With Multisensory Impairment

Importance Single sensory impairment is associated with reduced functional resilience and increased mortality, though the effects of multiple sensory deficits are not known. Objective To investigate longitudinal associations of the type, severity, and number of sensory impairments with physical function trajectories and mortality in older adults. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective analysis of a longitudinal cohort study, the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) study, incorporated data from April 1997 to July 2013, featuring a 16-year follow-up with annual examinations and questionnaires. The cohort comprised 3075 men and women, aged 70 to 79 years at baseline, residing in Memphis, Tennessee, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. All participants with complete sensory testing and covariate data at analytical baseline (year 5, 2002) were included. The data were analyzed September 1, 2022. Exposures Visual, olfactory, auditory, and touch sensory functions were assessed between 2000 and 2002. Main Outcomes The main outcomes included physical functioning trajectories and mortality risk. Physical function was assessed longitudinally using the Health ABC physical performance battery (HABCPPB). Results A total of 1825 individuals (mean [SD] age, 77.4 [3.2] years; 957 [52%] female) were included in this study. Multivariable analysis of HABCPPB decline indicated that having 1 sensory impairment (β estimate, −0.01 [95% CI, −0.02 to −0.001]); 2 sensory impairments (β estimate, −0.01 [95% CI, −0.02 to −0.01]); 3 sensory impairments (β estimate, −0.03 [95% CI, −0.04 to −0.02]); or 4 sensory impairments (β estimate, −0.04 [95% CI, −0.05,−0.03]) was significantly associated with a steeper HABCPPB score decline in a dose-dependent manner. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models indicated that having 1 sensory impairment (hazard ratio [HR], 1.35 [95% CI, 1.01-1.81]), 2 sensory impairments (HR, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.19-2.11]), 3 sensory impairments (HR, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.33-2.42]), or 4 sensory impairments (HR, 1.97 [95% CI, 1.39-2.79]) was significantly associated with increased mortality risk in a similarly dose-dependent manner. Conclusion In this retrospective cohort study, the degree and number of multiple sensory impairments were associated with worse physical functioning and increased mortality risk. These findings represent an opportunity for further investigation into the value of screening, prevention, and treatment of sensory impairments to reduce morbidity and mortality in older adults.