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1. Introduction
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder more common in the elderly and is a growing epidemic worldwide [1], affecting approximately 4.4% to 9.7% of elderly people and is predicted to double every 20 years until at least 2040 [2,3,4]. AD is associated with negative outcomes including short-term memory troubles [5], problems in walking [6], changes in equilibrium and limb coordination [7], falls [8], sleep disturbance [9], and physical frailty [10].
Although the clinical aspects of foot health in AD people are evident, the link with AD is unclear, but it is believed to be influenced by the functional, social, and cognitive ability of these people. Recent studies by López-López et al. in older people without AD have demonstrated the influence of decreased sensitivity and the absence of regular foot checks, which can contribute to use of inadequate footwear [11]. Also, López-López et al. confirmed that incorrect shoe size has a significant negative impact on quality of life related to foot health in elderly individuals [12].
Despite this, no studies have been carried out so far to analyze foot health status in older persons with AD, who may favor the use of inadequate footwear. This is an important factor to consider for the prevention of falls, postural alterations, foot disorders, and other basic illnesses in order to ensure a better quality of life and wellbeing for people with AD.
In order to verify this hypothesis, the aim of this study was to examine foot health status in older persons with AD, and more specifically, the extent to which persons with AD may be using inadequate footwear in old age.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Design and Sample
Seventy-three subjects diagnosed with AD living in a “center of excellence” for AD participated in the study between January 2017 and April 2017. It was a cross-sectional research project and a consecutive sampling method was used to select the participants. The inclusion criteria was: aged 65 or more and legal guardians having provided informed consent. The exclusion criteria included having a non-AD-related medical condition that might affect balance control, trauma or history of lesions of limbs (hip, knee, ankle, and foot), sleep disorders, being immunocompromised, refusal to of the legal guardian (s) to sign the...