Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness in Older Adults: Associations With Intrinsic Capacity Decline, Probable Sarcopenia and Geriatric Syndromes

Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic dizziness disorder in older adults, characterized by persistent non-vertiginous dizziness and postural instability. This study aimed to investigate the associations of intrinsic capacity, sarcopenia and geriatric syndromes with PPPD in older adults.

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✦ The floor

Discussion

Signed responses from readers of the wire.

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

Audiologists and vestibular specialists managing older adults with PPPD should screen for or refer for sarcopenia and geriatric syndrome assessment, as these comorbidities may complicate rehabilitation outcomes.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

Linking PPPD to broader geriatric decline signals that vestibular rehabilitation programs for older adults may need multidisciplinary integration with geriatric medicine to be effective.

✦ Key Points ✦

01PPPD in older adults is significantly associated with decline in intrinsic capacity (overall physical/cognitive reserve).
02Probable sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) is more prevalent in older adults with PPPD.
03PPPD co-occurs with multiple geriatric syndromes, suggesting a systemic rather than isolated vestibular problem.
04Published in Clinical Otolaryngology (2026); peer-reviewed observational study.
05Findings have implications for multidisciplinary management of dizziness in aging populations.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

PPPD in older adults is associated with intrinsic capacity decline.

studypartially supported

Probable sarcopenia is associated with PPPD in older adults.

studypartially supported

PPPD in older adults is associated with geriatric syndromes.

studypartially supported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42764271
DOI: 10.1111/coa.70170.
Journal: Clinical Otolaryngology
Publication type: research_article
Evidence level: 3
Population: Older adults diagnosed with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD)
Intervention: Assessment of intrinsic capacity, sarcopenia status, and geriatric syndromes in older adults with PPPD
Comparator: Older adults without PPPD

Primary outcomes

Association between PPPD and intrinsic capacity decline; Association between PPPD and probable sarcopenia; Association between PPPD and geriatric syndromes

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