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Tailored Exercise and Home Hazard Reduction Program for Fall Prevention in Older People With Cognitive Impairment:
Morag E Taylor1,2, Jacqueline Wesson1,3, Catherine Sherrington4,5
1Neuroscience Research Australia, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.
Summary
This study found that a fall prevention program did not significantly reduce overall fall rates in older adults with cognitive impairment. However, it did reduce multiple falls and fall rates in those with better physical function.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Neurology
Background:
- Limited evidence exists for effective fall prevention strategies in older adults with cognitive impairment (CI).
- Falls pose a significant risk to this population, impacting independence and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the efficacy of a tailored fall prevention intervention for community-dwelling older adults with CI.
- To assess the intervention's impact on fall rates, physical function, and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 309 older adults with CI.
- Intervention group received home hazard reduction and exercise; control group received usual care over 12 months.
- Primary outcome: rate of falls. Secondary outcomes: faller status, physical function, quality of life.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in the overall rate of falls between groups (IRR 1.05).
- A significant reduction in multiple fallers (26%) was observed in the intervention group.
- A significant reduction in fall rate was found in intervention participants with better baseline physical function (IRR 0.60).
Conclusions:
- The tested fall prevention intervention did not significantly reduce the overall fall rate in older adults with CI.
- The intervention showed promise in reducing multiple falls and fall rates among those with better baseline physical function.
