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Dementia: A risk factor for burns in the elderly
Lara Harvey1, Rebecca Mitchell2, Henry Brodaty3
1Falls and Injury Prevention Group, Neuroscience Research Australia, UNSW, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia.
Burns : Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
|January 21, 2016
Summary
Older adults with dementia face a 60% higher risk of burn injuries. These burns are more severe, leading to longer hospital stays, but targeted prevention in homes and aged care is needed.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Burn Medicine
- Dementia Research
Background:
- Older adults are a vulnerable population for burn injuries.
- Dementia is prevalent in older adults, but its impact on burn risk is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between dementia and the risk, characteristics, and outcomes of burn injuries in older adults.
- To analyze temporal trends in burn incidence among older adults with and without dementia.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of linked hospitalization and death records for individuals aged 65+ admitted for burns in NSW (2003-2012).
- Comparison of demographic, burn, and health outcome data between individuals with and without dementia.
- Calculation of incidence rates and use of negative binomial regression to examine trends.
Main Results:
- Individuals with dementia had a 1.6 times higher incidence rate of burns compared to those without dementia.
- Burns in patients with dementia were more likely to affect the trunk, have larger total body surface area (TBSA), and result from hot tap water or ignition of clothing.
- Patients with dementia experienced longer hospital stays (24 vs. 12 days) and higher 30-day mortality (15.4% vs. 5.1%), though adjusted mortality was not significantly different.
Conclusions:
- Burns are significant injuries for older adults with dementia, with incidence rates not decreasing over a decade.
- Dementia is associated with increased burn severity and poorer outcomes, including prolonged hospitalization.
- Targeted burn prevention education is crucial for homes and residential aged care facilities caring for individuals with dementia.
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