How Dementia Increases the Risk for Falls

Falling can happen to anyone, but certain conditions common among older adults increase the risk. These risk factors include vision loss, hearing problems, balance disorders, arthritis, osteoporosis, and the effects of a stroke. Experts also identify Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia as significant risk factors. Understanding the link between dementia and an increased risk of falls is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals living with these conditions.

The connection between dementia and falls

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s, affects various cognitive functions such as memory, judgment, and spatial awareness. These changes can significantly increase the risk of falls for several reasons:

Impaired balance and coordination: Dementia can affect the brain areas responsible for balance and coordination, making it harder to maintain stability.

Cognitive decline: Difficulty in processing information and making quick decisions can lead to unsafe movements and falls.

Medication side effects: Many individuals with dementia take medications that can cause dizziness or drowsiness, increasing the risk of falls.

Visual and perceptual problems: Dementia can impact how a person perceives their environment, leading to misjudgment of distances or obstacles. They may perceive bold patterns like zigzags as moving objects, or a black-and-white check pattern as holes in the floor.

Fortunately, you can do things around the house to reduce your loved one’s risk of falls. Consider these strategies and be sure to discuss fall risks with their doctor:

Encourage physical activity.

• Inactivity can lead to a loss of muscle strength and balance, increasing fall risk.
• Encourage simple exercises at home, walking together, or joining an exercise program designed for people with memory loss, which also provides socialization and reduces the risk of depression.

Help them manage their medications.

• Many medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and disorientation.
• Have a doctor or pharmacist review all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, herbals, and supplements.
• Ensure medications are taken at the right dose and time; you may need to assist with this.

Ensure they get regular vision and hearing exams.

• Vision and hearing significantly impact spatial awareness.
• Keep their glasses prescription updated and ensure they wear them.
• Consult a hearing specialist for tips on hearing aid usage and maintenance.

Choose appropriate footwear.

• Well-fitted shoes with good traction can reduce fall risk.
• Avoid flip flops and high heels.

Make the home safer:

• Remove clutter, throw rugs, and electrical cords from walkways.
• Create open spaces by removing unnecessary furniture—especially low tables and floor lamps.
• Ensure stairs have sturdy handrails on both sides. Mark stair edges with contrasting tape. If necessary, use a gate to keep them from using the stairs.
• Keep walkways free of debris, ice, and snow, and clean up spills promptly.
• Improve lighting throughout the home and remove mirrors, which may cause confusion.
• Keep frequently used items within easy reach to avoid the need for step stools.
• Pad sharp furniture corners to reduce injury risk.
• Install grab bars and non-slip decals in the bathroom.
• Install locks on doors if it is unsafe for them to leave the house alone.
• Follow dementia-friendly guidelines when choosing flooring or wall patterns.

In-home care can help

If the thought of adapting your loved one’s environment to be more dementia-friendly seems like a daunting task, Right at Home is here to help. Our in-home caregivers can help assess the home environment for fall risks, declutter the home, and connect you with qualified home modification specialists. Download our Fall Prevention resource for a room-by-room guide to making your loved one’s home safer.