[Dementia and falls: two related syndromes in old age]. Puisieux, F., Pardessus, V., & Bombois, S. Psychologie & Neuropsychiatrie Du Vieillissement, 3(4):271–279, December, 2005.
abstract   bibtex   
Dementia and cognitive impairment are known as a major risk for falls and subsequent adverse events in the elderly. In addition to result in serious injury, including fractures, falls lead to functional decline due to fear of falling again and self limitation of activity in older adults. All types of dementia and all degrees of severity are involved. Rather than resulting from a single cause, falls are the result of a combination of intrinsic, situational, and environmental factors. The most common risk factors for falls in patients with cognitive impairment and dementia are gait and balance disturbances, behavioral disorders, visual problems, malnutrition, adverse effects of drugs, fear of falling, neurocardiovascular instability (particularly orthostatic hypotension), and environmental hazards. Based on data from studies in cognitively normal people who fall, a multifaceted intervention, including a physical exercise programme and modification of the risk factors may prevent falls in older people with cognitive impairment and dementia. Preliminary research suggests that physiotherapy may have a role for falls prevention in these patients. However, randomized studies need to be performed.
@article{puisieux_dementia_2005,
	title = {[{Dementia} and falls: two related syndromes in old age]},
	volume = {3},
	issn = {1760-1703},
	shorttitle = {[{Dementia} and falls},
	abstract = {Dementia and cognitive impairment are known as a major risk for falls and subsequent adverse events in the elderly. In addition to result in serious injury, including fractures, falls lead to functional decline due to fear of falling again and self limitation of activity in older adults. All types of dementia and all degrees of severity are involved. Rather than resulting from a single cause, falls are the result of a combination of intrinsic, situational, and environmental factors. The most common risk factors for falls in patients with cognitive impairment and dementia are gait and balance disturbances, behavioral disorders, visual problems, malnutrition, adverse effects of drugs, fear of falling, neurocardiovascular instability (particularly orthostatic hypotension), and environmental hazards. Based on data from studies in cognitively normal people who fall, a multifaceted intervention, including a physical exercise programme and modification of the risk factors may prevent falls in older people with cognitive impairment and dementia. Preliminary research suggests that physiotherapy may have a role for falls prevention in these patients. However, randomized studies need to be performed.},
	language = {fre},
	number = {4},
	journal = {Psychologie \& Neuropsychiatrie Du Vieillissement},
	author = {Puisieux, François and Pardessus, Vinciane and Bombois, Stéphanie},
	month = dec,
	year = {2005},
	pmid = {16316818},
	keywords = {Aged, Humans, Dementia, Cognition Disorders, Risk Factors, Accidental Falls},
	pages = {271--279}
}

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