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Updated: Feb 15, 2026
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Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
Published on: November 6, 2017
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A Palliative Approach to Falls in Advanced Dementia
Andrea Iaboni1, Karen Van Ooteghem2, Meghan N Marcil2
1Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Mental Health, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Departments of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Summary
Falls in advanced dementia are often symptomatic and not fully preventable. A palliative approach focuses on quality of life, comfort, and dignity, rather than solely on prevention.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neurology
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Falls are a significant concern in older adults with dementia, leading to injury, functional decline, and mortality.
- Despite fall prevention efforts in long-term care, falls remain frequent, especially in advanced dementia stages.
- Current management often struggles with both falls and palliative care integration in advanced dementia.
Observation:
- Recurrent falls in advanced dementia may indicate underlying disease progression.
- A shift from intensive prevention to a palliative approach is needed for quality of life.
- Identifying individuals benefiting from palliative care for falls is crucial.
Findings:
- A palliative approach reframes falls as a quality of life issue, not just a safety concern.
- Individualized symptom assessment and management plans are key components.
- Acceptance that not all falls are preventable is central to this approach.
Implications:
- Falls in advanced dementia can signal the need for palliative care integration.
- This approach prioritizes symptom management, comfort, and dignity.
- It complements, rather than replaces, existing fall prevention strategies, adapting interventions to the dementia stage.
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