Fall fall fall fall1/4/2024 ![]() Postprandial hypotension is a non-physiological reason that causes falls in elderly subjects, probably due to an autonomic system dysfunction or the declining function of the cardiovascular system. Generally, the elderly have a decrease in mass volume and coordination, with phenotypic changes, such as selective loss of white fibers.Īnother cause of falls is the presence of cognitive impairment that is often found in the elderly, especially in those with a long illness, pain, or mood changes. Sarcopenia can be related to a food decline, a long hospital stay, and/or a long illness. Īn important cause of falls in the elderly population is the presence of sarcopenia. Medications related to falls include antihypertensives, neuroleptics and antipsychotics, sedatives and hypnotics, antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and benzodiazepines. It starts at 8% with no risk factors and increases by up to 78% with four risk factors. The 1-year risk of falling doubles for every added risk factor. Risk factors for falls in order of evidence strength include a history of falls, impairment in balance, reduced muscle strength, visual problems, polypharmacy (defined as taking over four medications) or psychoactive drugs, gait difficulty, depression, orthostasis or dizziness, functional limits, age over 80 years, female sex, incontinence, cognitive difficulties, arthritis, diabetes, and pain.įall risk escalates as the number of risk factors increases. A fall most often results from interactions between these long-term predisposing factors and short-term predisposing environmental factors such as an adverse drug reaction, acute illness, or a trip on an irregular surface. With aging usually comes a wide-based gait, along with a decrease in gait velocity, step length, and lower limb strength. The risk of falling is increased in the elderly because (1) these functions decline with age (2) the probability of accumulating medical issues increases with age, and (3) associated medications are often increased as well. 6, 2022.Normal gait results from effective coordination of the following neural components: basal ganglia brainstem system, regulated muscle tone, and functional processing of sensory information such as vision, hearing, and proprioception. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Falls in older persons: Risk factors and evaluation. Be prepared to discuss your health conditions and how comfortable you are when you walk - for example, do you feel any dizziness, joint pain, shortness of breath, or numbness in your feet and legs when you walk? Your health care provider may evaluate your muscle strength, balance and walking style (gait) as well. Certain eye and ear disorders may increase your risk of falls. Details such as these may help your health care provider identify specific fall prevention strategies. Be prepared to discuss instances when you almost fell but were caught by someone or managed to grab hold of something just in time. Write down the details, including when, where and how you fell. ![]() To help with fall prevention, your health care provider may consider weaning you off medications that make you tired or affect your thinking, such as sedatives, antihistamines and some types of antidepressants. Your health care provider can review your medications for side effects and interactions that may increase your risk of falling. Make a list of your prescription and nonprescription medications and supplements, or bring them with you to the appointment. To assess your risk and discuss fall prevention strategies, your health care provider may want to talk about the following: Start by making an appointment with your health care provider.
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