Recurrent Falls in Advanced Dementia: Could It Signal Unmet Palliative Needs?

Falls in long-term care (LTC) facilities are a major safety and quality concern, and are considered a preventable cause of injury. The majority of falls occur among residents with moderate to severe dementia. A cascade of repeated falls, with or without injury, invariably occurs with the progression of dementia, often in residents with some preserved mobility. Single or recurrent falls eventually lead to functional decline, change in mobility status, and death. This trajectory is further complicated when residents are treated with multiple anti-hypertensives, with concern for orthostatic hypotension possibly due to cerebral dysregulation, as their neuro-cognitive illness advances.
Source: Journal of the American Medical Directors Association - Category: Health Management Authors: Tags: Research Source Type: research