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Preventing Falls: Reducing Risk for Individuals with Alzheimer’s

by Lisa Snyder, LCSW


Many studies suggest that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are at an increased risk for injury. Often these injuries, such as cuts and bruises, sprains, and fractured or broken bones, can occur as a result of a fall. Falls can happen in the home or out in the community. They can be caused by tripping, slipping on wet or uneven surfaces, losing one’s balance, or misjudging the height of a curb or stair. Although some symptoms of AD can contribute to higher risk of falling, there are ways to take precautions that can reduce risk of an accident.

Alzheimer’s can affect vision by altering a person’s ability to judge both depth and distance. These problems are often referred to as “visual-spatial” difficulties because they affect the way persons with Alzheimer’s disease view spaces around them. Something may look closer or farther away, or taller or shorter in height than it really is. Also, some individuals have additional symptoms more associated with Parkinson’s disease. These can include a shuffling walk and some inflexibility, also called “rigidity”. Others with AD can get a bit restless and feel the need to move about or stay on the go. This restlessness can affect movement and concentration, and increase risk for falls or accidents. Or because of memory loss challenges, a person may be concentrating so hard on locating an item or a place, that he or she is less attentive to objects or uneven surfaces that may be in the path. It is important to remember that AD affects each person a little differently, and some people may never experience these symptoms. It is helpful, however, to follow some basic principles of safety that can reduce the risk of falling.

Preventing Falls:

Tips for Reducing Risk for Individuals with Early Stage Alzheimer’s and Their Families In the home:

  • Use night-lights in the bathroom, bedroom, and hallways.
  • Install grab rails in the shower and by the toilet. Use rubber bath mats with suction cups to hold them in place.
  • Remove throw rugs that are easily tripped on.
  • Keep telephone and electrical cords tacked to floor baseboards or out of pathways.
  • Store frequently used objects within reach. Avoid using step stools or chairs to reach things.
  • Mop up spills or debris on floors immediately.
  • Be aware that a small pet that blends in with the floor or lies in the walkway may be a hazard for tripping.
  • Consider marking stairs with brightly colored strips of tape to outline changes in elevation.
  • Arrange furniture so that walking routes are not obstructed. Eliminate or pad corners of furniture that has sharp edges or angles.

    In the community:
  • Wear sturdy non-slip, low-heeled shoes that fit snugly.
  • Make sure prescriptions for eyeglasses are current.
  • Watch out for walking routes that have uneven surfaces and obstructions such as garden hoses, children’s toys, or bicycles.
  • Consider using a cane for balance. A cane is also helpful to judge distances or heights or curbs and stairs.
  • Avoid walking alone on busy streets. Memory loss combined with too much noise and stimulus can affect both concentration and judgment and increase risk for accidents.
  • Exercise regularly to maintain muscle flexibility and strength.
  • Make sure you let someone know if a fall occurs! Sometimes we are not even aware of an injury and need to be evaluated by a nurse or doctor.


    Reprinted with revisions from Perspectives, A Newsletter for Individuals Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, May-August, 2000, published by Lisa Snyder of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive-0948, La Jolla, California 92093, Tel: 858-622-5800, Email: lsnyder@ucsd.edu. Additional tips reprinted from Home Safety for the Alzheimer’s Patient, published by the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center, University of California, San Diego and available from the ADEAR Center.

     

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