Hipofunção vestibular e cognição de idosos: revisão integrativa da literatura

Abstract

Introduction: Aging is associated with cognitive and sensory changes that compromise the functionality of the elderly. Among these, vestibular hypofunction has been linked not only to balance deficits but also to impairments in memory and spatial cognition. Objective: To investigate the association between vestibular hypofunction and cognitive deficit in the elderly. Methodology: Integrative review using the combined descriptors in Portuguese and English, “cognition” and “labyrinth diseases,” “dementia” and “labyrinth diseases,” and “memory” and “labyrinth diseases,” in the databases United States National Library of Medicine (PubMED) and Virtual Health Library (BVS). Results: Eight articles were selected. Among the vestibular structures evaluated, the saccule was the one that presented the worst performance in vestibular tests, generating a consistent association with deficits in memory, spatial orientation, navigation, and executive function. Conclusion: The findings indicate that vestibular hypofunction is associated with greater cognitive and functional impairment in this population.