Fall risk in stroke survivors: Effects of stroke plus dementia and reduced motor functional capacity

Despite extensive research on falls among individuals with stroke, little is known regarding the impact of neurological conditions with comorbid diagnoses and motor functional capacity on the risk of falls in these individuals. Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine the fall risk and the contribution of reduced motor functional capacity to fall risk in individuals with stroke, dementia, and stroke plus dementia.

Data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a nationally-representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries, were analyzed for this cross-sectional study. The odds of self-reported falls within the past month in three subgroups of neurological conditions [stroke (n = 751), dementia (n = 369), and stroke plus dementia (n = 141)] were evaluated with a reference group of individuals with no stroke/dementia [i.e., controls (n = 6337)] using logistic regression models.

The prevalence of a recent fall was significantly higher (P < .05) in the three neurological disorder groups compared with controls. After adjusting for sociodemographics, mobility device use, and other comorbidities (i.e., chronic disease, vision impairment, and major surgery), the odds of a recent fall were significantly elevated in individuals with stroke (odds ratio [OR] = 1.45), dementia (OR = 2.45), and stroke plus dementia (OR = 2.64) compared with controls. After further adjustment for the lower motor functional capacity, the elevated odds in individuals with stroke were attenuated (OR = 1.16); however, the odds remained significantly elevated in individuals with dementia (OR = 1.67) and stroke plus dementia (OR = 1.82).

Findings indicate that the odds for falls in stroke survivors are elevated in the presence of comorbid dementia. Further, lower motor functional capacity accounted for increased likelihood of a fall in individuals with stroke, but it was not sufficient to account for the increased likelihood of a fall in individuals with dementia or stroke plus dementia. Thus, interventions focusing on secondary prevention of dementia and improving motor functional capacity may reduce fall risk in individuals with stroke.