Medicina Molecular e Genética

Prevalence, Predictors and Prevention of Falls in Geriatric Patients

Abstract

Kavitha Shanmugam

Falls are all too common in the geriatric population, and they have devastating consequences. They are the leading cause of injury and death by injury in adults over the age of 65 years. Rates are higher in women. The prevalence of falls in India above the age of 60 years reported to range from 14% to 53%. One study assessed the prevalence of falls among older adults and its proportion was found to be 24.98%. Aging increases joint stiffness, decreased muscle strength, impaired neurologic feedback. The majority of fallers had experienced a fall in the morning, greater numbers had occurred indoors especially in bathrooms. The presence of slippery flooring inappropriate tiling inadequate lightening the absence of grab bar was the possible risk factors in the bathroom The sedentary group fell more frequently than the exercising group due to lack of stability. Impaired strength is a strong predictor of falls in most studies. A growing body of evidence indicates that the elderly respond to exercise training that this response continues at very old ages and extremes of fragility. Predisposing to falls are musculo-skeletal problems, visual defect, neurological illness, syncope vestibular causes, hypertension, postural hypotension and dementia. Drug-induced falls were commonly associated with sedatives and hypnotics. Home measures to prevent fall. Handrails for both sides of stairways, nonslip treads for bare-wood steps, a raised toilet seat or one with armrest, grab bars for the shower or tub. Place night lights in your bedroom, bathroom, and hallways. Place a lamp within reach of your bed for middle-of-the- night needs. Make clear paths to light switches that aren't near room entrances. Consider trading traditional switches for glow-in- the-dark or illuminated switches. Turn on the lights before going up or downstairs. 12. Store flashlights in easy-to-find places in case of power outages.