Can falls as a behavioural marker indicate development of dementia down-line?

Commentary on: Zhang L, Wang J, Dove A, Yang W, Qi X, Xu W. Injurious falls before, during and after dementia diagnosis: a population-based study. Age Ageing. 2022 Dec 5;51(12):afac299. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afac299. Implications for practice and research People with dementia show a higher incidence of falls four years before diagnosis. There is a growing evidence of life-style risk factors for developing dementia in later life. Further research is needed of the behavioural risks to developing dementia and interventions to mitigate those risks. Context The incidence of falls increases with age with approximately a third of people over the age of 65 years experiencing one or more falls a year. These falls can result in significant injuries, such as a fracture or even death. Dementia is largely a condition associated with age and there is a growing interest and body of research that explores the...

Source: Evidence-Based Nursing - March 28, 2024 Category: Nursing Authors: Harrison-Dening, K. Tags: Care of the older person Source Type: research