Recent research suggests that for elderly adults, experiencing a fall might do more than cause physical harm; it could also signal an increased risk of dementia.
A study discovered that elderly adults who sustain injuries from falls are 20% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia than those who suffer from other injuries, Fox News reported.
Boston scientists published research last month in JAMA Network Open that meticulously analyzed data from over two million U.S. Medicare beneficiaries aged 66 and older. All participants had experienced some form of traumatic injury that required a visit to the emergency department or a hospital admission between 2014 and 2015.
The researchers focused on understanding the link between the nature of injuries and subsequent diagnoses of dementia. They made an alarming discovery: half of these injuries resulted from falls, highlighting how common such incidents are among the elderly population.
The study also tracked patients for at least a year post-injury to record new diagnoses of dementia. Among those who had fallen, 10.6% received a diagnosis of dementia within a year, a statistic that significantly surpassed the 6.1% for those with other types of injuries.
In their analysis, the researchers adjusted for various factors that could influence the results, such as demographic characteristics, the severity of the injury, and any underlying medical conditions. This thorough analysis ensured that the increased dementia risk associated with falls was not due to external variables.
This finding is particularly concerning given that approximately 10% of U.S. adults over the age of 65 are living with dementia. The study highlights an urgent need for regular cognitive screenings for older adults who have experienced falls.
According to Molly P. Jarman, PhD, one of the researchers, "This study quantifies a diagnostic pattern that geriatricians and primary care providers have long recognized — falls often precede a dementia diagnosis, and those who fall should undergo cognitive screening."
Falls are not just common; they represent the leading cause of injury among adults aged 65 and older in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that an older adult falls every second of every day in the country, with one in four reporting a fall each year.
Prevention strategies recommended by the CDC include conducting home safety inspections and maintaining regular physical activity to improve balance and strength, thereby reducing the risk of a fall.
The connection between falls and dementia is not entirely understood. While it’s unclear whether falls cause cognitive decline leading to dementia or if conditions like mild cognitive impairment make falls more likely, Jarman suggests, "Older adults with mild cognitive impairment or undiagnosed dementia may be more prone to falls due to changes in their gait and balance."
These findings are prompting calls for a shift in how medical professionals respond to elderly patients who fall. Michael S. Okun, M.D., another contributor to the study, highlighted that when elderly people fall, it is vital to consider the potential impact on their cognitive functions.
"When we hear falling, we should be thinking about dementia risk," said Okun. He adds, "A good rule of thumb would be to initiate an examination of thinking ability as soon as possible for new onset falling."
This sentiment is echoed by Okun, who criticized the common misconception that elderly individuals need only physical therapy after a fall. "We should be teaching folks the value of examining brain function in fallers," he noted.
Ultimately, the research by Jarman and her team lays the groundwork for future protocols. "We hope that the results of our study will encourage clinicians to monitor the cognitive health of older adults who fall," she concluded.
The study sets a prospective pathway for healthcare providers, suggesting a pivotal change towards holistic approaches in treating elderly patients who fall, considering both their immediate physical injuries and their potential cognitive decline.
