Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Prevention of falls in older people with dementia

  • Published:
Journal of Neural Transmission Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

Falls are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older people with dementia. However, although we know that people with dementia can comply with interventions known to reduce falls in cognitively normal populations, and that these interventions can modify certain risk factors for falls in patients with dementia, direct evidence that falls can be prevented in older people with dementia is lacking. Further research is required specifically targeting fall prevention in older people with dementia.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • C Becker M Kron U Lindemann E Sturm B Eichner B Walter-Jung T Nikolaus (2003) ArticleTitleEffectiveness of a multifaceted intervention on falls in nursing home residents J Am Geriatr Soc 51 306–313 10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003.51103.x Occurrence Handle10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003.51103.x Occurrence Handle12588573

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • HA Bischoff HB Staehelin W Dick R Akos M Knecht C Salis M Nebiker R Theiler M Pfeifer B Begerow RA Lew M Conzelmann (2003) ArticleTitleEffects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on falls: a randomized controlled trial J Bone Miner Res 18 343–351 10.1359/jbmr.2003.18.2.343 Occurrence Handle10.1359/jbmr.2003.18.2.343 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXht1Sktrs%3D Occurrence Handle12568412

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • PA Brill AM Drimmer LA Morgan NF Gordon (1995) ArticleTitleThe feasibility of conducting strength and flexibility programs for elderly nursing home residents with dementia Gerontologist 35 263–266 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK2M3ntVShsQ%3D%3D Occurrence Handle7750784

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • DM Buchner EB Larson (1987) ArticleTitleFalls and fractures in patients with Alzheimer-type dementia JAMA 257 1492–1495 10.1001/jama.257.11.1492 Occurrence Handle10.1001/jama.257.11.1492 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaL2s7ktFGiuw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle3820464

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • AJ Campbell J Reinken (1985) ArticleTitlePostural hypotension in old age: prevalence, associations and prognosis J Clin Exp Gerontol 7 163–175

    Google Scholar 

  • E Capezuti L Evans N Strumpf G Maislin (1996) ArticleTitlePhysical restraint use and falls in nursing home residents J Am Geriatr Soc 44 627–633 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK283jsl2hsQ%3D%3D Occurrence Handle8642150

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • E Capezuti N Strumpf L Evans G Maislin (1999) ArticleTitleOutcomes of night time physical restraint removal for severely impaired nursing home residents Am J Alzheimer’s Dis 14 157–164 10.1177/153331759901400302 Occurrence Handle10.1177/153331759901400302

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MC Chapuy ME Arlot F Duboeuf J Brun B Crouzet S Arnaud PD Delmas PJ Meunier (1992) ArticleTitleVitamin D3 and calcium to prevent hip fractures in elderly women N Engl J Med 327 1637–1642 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK3s%2FmtlSrug%3D%3D Occurrence Handle1331788 Occurrence Handle10.1056/NEJM199212033272305

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • RKY Chong FB Horak J Frank J Kaye (1999) ArticleTitleSensory organization for balance: specific deficits in Alzheimer’s but not in Parkinson’s disease J Gerontol 54A M122–M128

    Google Scholar 

  • J Close M Ellis R Hooper E Glucksman S Jackson C Swift (1999) ArticleTitlePrevention of falls in the elderly trial (PROFET): a randomised controlled trial Lancet 353 93–97 10.1016/S0140-6736(98)06119-4 Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0140-6736(98)06119-4 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1M7ks1Cqug%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10023893

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • CAE Dyer GT Taylor M Reed CA Dyer DR Robertson R Harrington (2004) ArticleTitleFalls prevention in residential care homes: a randomised controlled trial Age Ageing 33 596–602 10.1093/ageing/afh204 Occurrence Handle10.1093/ageing/afh204 Occurrence Handle15381507

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • S Ebrahim (1995) ArticleTitlePublic health implications of ageing J R Coll Physicians Lond 29 207–215 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK2Mzoslegug%3D%3D Occurrence Handle7658417

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • F Ejaz JA Jones MS Rose (1994) ArticleTitleFalls among nursing home residents. An examination of incident reports before and after restraint reduction programs J Am Geriatr Soc 42 960–964 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK2czkt1KqsA%3D%3D Occurrence Handle8064104

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • L Flicker RJ MacInnis MS Stein SC Scherer KE Mead CA Nowson J Thomas C Lowndes JL Hopper JD Wark (2005) ArticleTitleShould older people in residential care receive Vitamin D to prevent falls? Results of a randomized trial J Am Geriatr Soc 53 1881–1888 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2005.00468.x Occurrence Handle10.1111/j.1532-5415.2005.00468.x Occurrence Handle16274368

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • EH Franssen LEM Souren CL Torossian B Reisberg (1999) ArticleTitleEquilibrium and limb coordination in mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer’s disease J Am Geriatr Soc 47 463–469 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1M3hslOksQ%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10203123

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • HC Hanger MC Ball LA Wood (1999) ArticleTitleAn analysis of falls in the hospital: can we do without bedrails? J Am Geriatr Soc 47 529–531 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1M3lsFantg%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10323644

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • K Hauer C Becker U Lindemann N Beyer (2006) ArticleTitleEffectiveness of physical training on motor performance and fall prevention in cognitively impaired older persons Am J Phys Med Rehabil 85 847–857 10.1097/01.phm.0000228539.99682.32 Occurrence Handle10.1097/01.phm.0000228539.99682.32 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD28rovFOrsw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle16998433

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • K Hauer M Pfisterer C Weber N Wezler M Kliegel P Oster (2003) ArticleTitleCognitive impairment decreases postural control during dual tasks in geriatric patients with a history of severe falls J Am Geriatr Soc 51 1638–1644 10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003.51517.x Occurrence Handle10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003.51517.x Occurrence Handle14687396

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • J Jensen L Lundin-Olsson L Nyberg Y Gustafson (2002) ArticleTitleFall and injury prevention in older people living in residential care facilities Ann Int Med 136 733–741 Occurrence Handle12020141

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • J Jensen L Nyberg Y Gustafson L Lundin-Olsson (2003) ArticleTitleFall and injury prevention in residential care — effects in residents with higher and lower levels of cognition J Am Geriatr Soc 51 627–635 10.1034/j.1600-0579.2003.00206.x Occurrence Handle10.1034/j.1600-0579.2003.00206.x Occurrence Handle12752837

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • K Kallin Y Gustafson P-O Sandman S Karlsson (2005) ArticleTitleFactors associated with falls among older, cognitively impaired people in geriatric care settings Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 13 501–509 10.1176/appi.ajgp.13.6.501 Occurrence Handle15956270

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • KE Kelly CL Philips KC Cain NL Polissar PB Kelly (2002) ArticleTitleEvaluation of a nonintrusive monitor to reduce falls in nursing home patients J Am Med Directors Assoc 3 377–382 Occurrence Handle10.1016/S1525-8610(04)70530-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • N Kerse M Butler E Robinson M Todd (2004) ArticleTitleFall prevention in residential care: a cluster, randomized, controlled trial J Am Geriatr Soc 52 524–531 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2004.52157.x Occurrence Handle10.1111/j.1532-5415.2004.52157.x Occurrence Handle15066066

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • DK Kiely JN Morris DL Algase (2000) ArticleTitleResident characteristics associated with wandering in nursing homes Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 15 1013–1020 10.1002/1099-1166(200011)15:11<1013::AID-GPS226>3.0.CO;2-X Occurrence Handle10.1002/1099-1166(200011)15:11<1013::AID-GPS226>3.0.CO;2-X Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3M7htVCitg%3D%3D Occurrence Handle11113981

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • M Law H Withers J Morris F Anderson (2006) ArticleTitleVitamin D supplementation and the prevention of fractures and falls: results of a randomised trial in elderly people in residential accommodation Age Ageing 35 482–486 10.1093/ageing/afj080 Occurrence Handle10.1093/ageing/afj080 Occurrence Handle16641143

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • RM Leipzig RG Cumming ME Tinetti (1999) ArticleTitleDrugs and falls in older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis: I. Psychotropic drugs. II. Cardiac and analgesic drugs J Am Geriatr Soc 47 30–50 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1M7hs12mtw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle9920227

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • L Lundin-Olsson L Nyberg Y Gustafson (1997) ArticleTitleStops walking when talking as a predictor of falls in elderly people Lancet 349 617 10.1016/S0140-6736(97)24009-2 Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0140-6736(97)24009-2 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK2s3htVKksA%3D%3D Occurrence Handle9057736

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • CJ Mathias JR Kimber (1998) ArticleTitleTreatment of postural hypotension J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 65 285–289 10.1136/jnnp.65.3.285 Occurrence Handle10.1136/jnnp.65.3.285 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1czpslWmtg%3D%3D Occurrence Handle9728937

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • MET McMurdo AM Millar F Daly (2000) ArticleTitleA randomized controlled trial of fall prevention strategies in old peoples’ homes Gerontology 46 83–87 10.1159/000022139 Occurrence Handle10.1159/000022139 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3c7jvVSntA%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10671804

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • JC Morris EH Rubin EJ Morris SA Mandel (1987) ArticleTitleSenile dementia of the Alzheimer’s type: an important risk factor for serious falls J Gerontol 42 412–417 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaL2s3ltF2mtw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle3598089

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • CD Mulrow MB Gerety D Kanten JE Cornell LA De Nino L Chiodo C Aguilar MB O’Neil J Rosenberg RM Solis (1994) ArticleTitleA randomized trial of physical rehabilitation for very frail nursing home residents J Am Med Assoc 271 519–524 10.1001/jama.271.7.519 Occurrence Handle10.1001/jama.271.7.519 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK2c7jtlelsQ%3D%3D

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • ST O’Keeffe H Kazeem RM Philpott JR Playfer MA Gosney M Lye (1996) ArticleTitleGait disturbance in Alzheimer’s disease: a clinical study Age Ageing 25 313–316 10.1093/ageing/25.4.313 Occurrence Handle10.1093/ageing/25.4.313 Occurrence Handle8831878

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • D Oliver JB Connelly CR Victor FE Shaw A Whitehead Y Genc A Vanoli FC Martin MA Gosney (2007) ArticleTitleStrategies to prevent falls and fractures in hospitals and care homes and effect of cognitive impairment: systematic review and meta-analyses Br Med J 334 82–85 10.1136/bmj.39049.706493.55 Occurrence Handle10.1136/bmj.39049.706493.55

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • U Passant S Warkentin L Gustafson (1997) ArticleTitleOrthostatic hypotension and low blood pressure in organic dementia: a study of prevalence and related clinical characteristics Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 12 395–403 10.1002/(SICI)1099-1166(199703)12:3<395::AID-GPS527>3.0.CO;2-# Occurrence Handle10.1002/(SICI)1099-1166(199703)12:3<395::AID-GPS527>3.0.CO;2-# Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK2s3pslamug%3D%3D Occurrence Handle9152727

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • VM Pomeroy (1993) ArticleTitleThe effect of physiotherapy input on mobility skills of elderly people with severe dementing illness Clin Rehabil 7 163–170 10.1177/026921559300700212 Occurrence Handle10.1177/026921559300700212

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • R Prettyman (1998) ArticleTitleAutonomic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease CNS 1 20–22

    Google Scholar 

  • WA Ray JA Taylor KG Meador PB Thapa AK Brown HK Kajihara C Davis P Gideon MR Griffin (1997) ArticleTitleA randomized trial of a consultation service to reduce falls in nursing homes J Am Med Assoc 278 557–562 10.1001/jama.278.7.557 Occurrence Handle10.1001/jama.278.7.557 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK2svht1WlsQ%3D%3D

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • LZ Rubenstein AS Robbins KR Josephson BL Schulman D Osterweil (1990) ArticleTitleThe value of assessing falls in an elderly population: a randomized clinical trial Ann Int Med 113 308–316 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK3czivVGlsA%3D%3D Occurrence Handle2115755

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • JF Schnelle K Kapur C Alessi D Osterweil JG Beck NR Al-Samarrai JG Ouslander (2003) ArticleTitleDoes an exercise and incontinence intervention save health care costs in a nursing home population? J Am Geriatr Soc 51 161–168 10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003.51053.x Occurrence Handle10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003.51053.x Occurrence Handle12558711

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • TP Senla K Palla B Poddig D Brauner (1994) ArticleTitleEffect of the Omnibus Reconciliation Act 1987 on antipsychotic prescribing in nursing home residents J Am Geriatr Soc 42 648–652

    Google Scholar 

  • FE Shaw (2003) ArticleTitleFalls in older people with dementia Geriatr Aging 6 37–40

    Google Scholar 

  • FE Shaw J Bond DA Richardson P Dawson IN Steen IG McKeith RA Kenny (2003) ArticleTitleMultifactorial intervention after a fall in older people with cognitive impairment and dementia presenting to the accident and emergency department: randomised controlled trial Br Med J 326 73–75 10.1136/bmj.326.7380.73 Occurrence Handle10.1136/bmj.326.7380.73

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • PL Sheridan J Solomont N Kowall JM Hausdorff (2003) ArticleTitleInfluence of executive function on locomotor function: divided attention increases gait variability in Alzheimer’s disease J Am Geriatr Soc 51 1633–1637 10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003.51516.x Occurrence Handle10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003.51516.x Occurrence Handle14687395

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • I Skoog B Lernfelt S Landahl B Palmertz L-A Andreasson L Nilsson G Persson A Oden A Svanborg (1996) ArticleTitle15-year longitudinal study of blood pressure and dementia Lancet 347 1141–1145 10.1016/S0140-6736(96)90608-X Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0140-6736(96)90608-X Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK287pvVersQ%3D%3D Occurrence Handle8609748

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • A Tanaka H Okuzumi I Kobayashi N Murai K Meguro (1995) ArticleTitleGait disturbance of patients with vascular and Alzheimer-type dementias Percept Mot Skills 80 735–738 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK28%2FksVOmtw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle7567389

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • PB Thapa P Gideon RL Fought WA Ray (1995) ArticleTitlePsychotropic drugs and risk of recurrent falls in ambulatory nursing home residents Am J Epidemiol 142 202–211 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK2MzitFehug%3D%3D Occurrence Handle7598120

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • ME Tinetti DI Baker G McAvay EB Claus P Garrett M Gottschalk ML Koch K Trainor RI Horwitz (1994) ArticleTitleA multifactorial intervention to reduce the risk of falling among elderly people living in the community N Engl J Med 331 821–827 10.1056/NEJM199409293311301 Occurrence Handle10.1056/NEJM199409293311301 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK2czlvFGnsA%3D%3D Occurrence Handle8078528

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • ME Tinetti SK Inouye TM Gill JT Doucette (1995) ArticleTitleShared risk factors for falls, incontinence and functional dependence J Am Med Assoc 273 1348–1353 10.1001/jama.273.17.1348 Occurrence Handle10.1001/jama.273.17.1348 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK2M3jtVyksA%3D%3D

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • ME Tinetti M Speechley SF Ginter (1988) ArticleTitleRisk factors for falls among elderly persons living in the community N Engl J Med 319 1701–1707 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaL1M%2Fot1GltQ%3D%3D Occurrence Handle3205267 Occurrence Handle10.1056/NEJM198812293192604

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • C Toulotte C Fabre B Dangremont G Lensel A Thevenon (2003) ArticleTitleEffects of physical training on the physical capacity of frail, demented patients with a history of falling: a randomised controlled trial Age Ageing 32 67–73 10.1093/ageing/32.1.67 Occurrence Handle10.1093/ageing/32.1.67 Occurrence Handle12540351

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • PTM Van Dijk OGRM Meulenberg HJ Van De Sande JDF Habbema (1993) ArticleTitleFalls in dementia patients Gerontologist 33 200–204 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK3s3isVSmsQ%3D%3D Occurrence Handle8468012

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • C Van Doorn AL Gruber-Baldini S Zimmerman JR Hebel CL Port M Baumgarten CC Quinn G Taler C May J Magaziner (2003) ArticleTitleDementia as a risk factor for falls and fall injuries among nursing home residents J Am Geriatr Soc 51 1213–1218 10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003.51404.x Occurrence Handle10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003.51404.x Occurrence Handle12919232

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • H Visser (1983) ArticleTitleGait and balance in senile dementia of Alzheimer’s type Age Ageing 12 296–301 10.1093/ageing/12.4.296 Occurrence Handle10.1093/ageing/12.4.296 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaL2c7gtFSksQ%3D%3D Occurrence Handle6660138

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • LM Waite GA Broe DA Grayson H Creasy (2000) ArticleTitleMotor function and disability in the dementias Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 15 897–903 10.1002/1099-1166(200010)15:10<897::AID-GPS215>3.0.CO;2-C Occurrence Handle10.1002/1099-1166(200010)15:10<897::AID-GPS215>3.0.CO;2-C Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3M%2Fjt1aktw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle11044871

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Newcastle PCT Rehabilitation and Intermediate Care Services, Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K.

    F. E. Shaw

Authors
  1. F. E. Shaw
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Shaw, F. Prevention of falls in older people with dementia. J Neural Transm 114, 1259–1264 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-007-0741-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-007-0741-5

Search

Navigation