Epidemiology and Falls Risk Factors in Cognitively Impaired Older Adults

2019 ◽  
pp. 35-48
Author(s):  
Stephanie A. Bridenbaugh ◽  
Reto W. Kressig
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitively Impaired ◽  
Falls Risk

Falls Risks and Prevention Behaviors Among Community-Dwelling Homebound and Non-Homebound Older Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 1085-1106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carri Casteel ◽  
Jennifer Jones ◽  
Paula Gildner ◽  
James M. Bowling ◽  
Susan J. Blalock
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Falls Risk ◽  
Homebound Older Adults ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls

The objectives were to examine falls risk factors to determine how the magnitude of risk may differ between homebound and non-homebound older adults, and to describe falls prevention behaviors and participation in falls prevention education. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with convenience samples of community-dwelling older adults recruited through Meals on Wheels programs (homebound, n = 80) and senior centers (non-homebound, n = 84) in North Carolina. Data were collected during home visits and included an interview and medication inventory. Multivariate negative binomial regression with robust variance estimation modeled risk factors for falls. Risk factors for falls observed in both the homebound and non-homebound populations are consistent with what is known in the literature. However, the magnitude of the risk was higher in the homebound than in the non-homebound population with respect to vision impairments, number of high-risk and over-the-counter medications, and use of walking aids .Few participants reported participating in a falls prevention program.

scholarly journals ´Feet are second class citizens`: exploring the perceptions of Scottish and Portuguese older adults about feet, falls and exercise- a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monserrat Conde ◽  
Gordon J. Hendry ◽  
Jim Woodburn ◽  
Dawn A. Skelton
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Main Theme ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Falls Risk ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls

Abstract Introduction Foot problems are likely to contribute to falls risk in older adults. Foot and ankle exercises may be beneficial, but uptake may be influenced by cultural factors. Few studies have explored the views of older adults from different cultural backgrounds about foot-specific falls risk factors, and foot and ankle falls prevention exercises. Objectives To explore the views of Scottish and Portuguese community-dwelling older adults who have experienced a fall, about any foot risk factors for falls, and foot and ankle exercises. Methods Cross-cultural qualitative study with (n = 6) focus groups exploring the perceptions of Scottish (n = 10, mean age 76 yrs) and Portuguese older adults (n = 14, mean age 66 years) aged, applying thematic analysis. Results One main theme `evolving awareness about feet and falls prevention´ and three subthemes; (i) Feet are often forgotten, (ii) the important role of footwear, (iii) need to look at my feet and do the exercises were identified. Scottish participants had more experience of falls prevention but there was a lack of knowledge surrounding foot-specific falls risk factors, and the role of ankle and foot exercise in the prevention of falls. Portuguese participants exhibited a fatalistic approach to falls. Conclusions Older adults from both nations had little knowledge of foot-specific falls risk factors, being initially unaware of the functional status of their feet and of the role of exercise in foot care and falls management. There were differences between national groups that should be accounted for when developing culturally adequate interventions.

Associations Between Bicycling and Reduced Fall-Related Physical Performance in Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 514-519 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Harvey ◽  
Chris Rissel ◽  
Mirjam Pijnappels
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Performance Tasks ◽  
Falls Risk ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Average Current

Falls among older adults remain a significant public health issue. Bicycling positively influences falls risk factors including reduced balance, muscle weakness, and low self-perceived confidence in maintaining balance. However, this association has not been systematically examined. We recruited 107 community-dwelling participants aged 65 years and older in the Netherlands to determine the relationship between bicycling and falls risk factors. Participants completed three questionnaires on cycling behavior and balance confidence, and also undertook five falls-related physical performance tasks encompassing tests of balance, strength, gait, and endurance. On average, current bicyclists showed significantly better scores in all physical tasks and confidence compared with nonriders ranging from a 10% difference in 6-m walk time to a 141% difference in single-leg balance time (allps = .01). Type of bike used and duration of bicycling displayed varied associations (.01 < ps < .79). Our findings suggest that bicycle riding warrants further prospective investigation for fall prevention and active aging.

Socio-Cultural Factors and Falls Risk Factors among Independent-Living Older Adults

2007 ◽  
Vol 39 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. S416
Author(s):  
Robert H. Wood ◽  
Rebecca Ellis ◽  
Kevin S. McCarter ◽  
Jennifer M. Fabre ◽  
Iina E. Antikainen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Cultural Factors ◽  
Falls Risk

Falls Risk Factors Among Hospitalized Older Adults

2018 ◽  
pp. 705-713
Author(s):  
Nor Najwatul Akmal Ab. Rahman ◽  
Yi Ching Teo ◽  
Zunaidah Abu Samah ◽  
Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Falls Risk ◽  
Hospitalized Older Adults

scholarly journals Prevalence, Circumstances, and Risk Factors of Falls Among Community Dwelling Members of University of the Third Age

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asmidawati Ashari ◽  
Tengku Aizan Hamid ◽  
Mohd Rizal Hussain ◽  
Rahimah Ibrahim ◽  
Keith D. Hill
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Falls Risk ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Objective: Study aimed to identify the prevalence of falls and associated contributory factors among older Malaysians.Methods: A cross sectional study among community dwelling older adults aged 50 years and above. Self-administered questionnaires on history of falls in the previous 12 months, physical assessment and computerized and clinical measures of balance were assessed on a single occasion.Results: Forty nine (31.0%) participants fell, with 4.4% reported having multiple falls within the previous 12 months. Slips were the most prevalent cause of falls, accounting for 49% of falls. More than half (54.5%) of falls occurred in the afternoon while participants walked inside the home (32.7%), outside home (30.6%), and 36.7% were in community areas. More than half of respondents were identified as having turning instability. Step Test, turn sway, depression, physical activity level and edge contrast sensitivity were significantly worse for fallers (p &lt; 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that turning performance, visual acuity and back pain were significantly associated with falls risk, accounting for 72% of the variance of risk factors for falls among studied population.Conclusion: Falls are common among community dwelling older Malaysians. The findings provide information of falls and falls risk factors among community dwelling older adults in Malaysia. Future intervention studies should target locally identified falls risk factors. This study has highlighted the importance of instability during turning as an important fall risk factor.

Sex Differences in Subsequent Falls and Falls Risk: A Prospective Cohort Study in Older Adults

Gerontology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Deborah A. Jehu ◽  
Jennifer C. Davis ◽  
Cindy K. Barha ◽  
Kristin Vesely ◽  
Winnie Cheung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Prospective Cohort Study ◽  
Prospective Cohort ◽  
Risk Measures ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Falls Risk

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Sex differences for subsequent falls and falls risk factors in community-dwelling older adults who have fallen are unknown. Our aim was to: (1) compare the number of falls between sexes, (2) identify modifiable falls risk factors, and (3) explore the interaction of sex on falls risk factors in older adults who fall. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Four hundred sixty-two community dwellers seeking medical attention after an index fall were recruited from the Vancouver Falls Prevention Clinic and participated in this 12-month prospective cohort study. Ninety-six participants were part of a randomized controlled trial of exercise. Falls were tracked with monthly falls calendars. Demographics, falls risk measures, and the number of subsequent falls were compared between sexes. A principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to reduce the falls risk measures to a smaller set of factors. The PCA factors were used in negative binomial regression models to predict the number of subsequent falls. Age, exposure time (i.e., number of falls monitoring days), and prescribed exercise (yes/no) were used as covariates, and sex (male/female) and PCA factors were used as main effects. The interaction of sex by PCA factor was then included. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Males fell more over 12 months (males: 2.80 ± 6.86 falls; females: 1.25 ± 2.63 falls) than females, and poorer executive function predicted falls in males. Four PCA factors were defined – impaired cognition and mobility, low mood and self-efficacy, mobility resilience, and perceived poor health – each predicted the number of falls. The sex by mobility resilience interaction suggested that mobility resilience was less protective of falls in males. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Modifiable risk factors related to cognition, physical function, psychological wellbeing, and health status predicted subsequent falls. In males, better mobility was not as protective of falls compared with females. This may be due to males’ poorer executive function, contributing to decreased judgement or slowed decision-making during mobility. These results may inform efficacious sex-specific falls prevention strategies.

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