Predictors of Fall-Related Injuries in Fallers-A Study in Persons with Cognitive Impairment

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cognitive impairment and dementia increase fall risks.
• Previous studies linked falls to frailty and reduced fitness, independent of cognitive disorders.
• Predictors of fall-related injuries may differ from fall predictors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify predictors of fall-related injuries in individuals with cognitive impairment.
• To compare these predictors with those identified for falls in the same population.

Main Methods:

• Follow-up study using data from 'The Norwegian Registry of Persons Assessed for Cognitive Symptoms' (NorCog).
• Included 3774 individuals from a previous study who experienced falls.
• Compared fallers with and without fall-related injuries (defined as hospital admission).

Main Results:

• Annual incidence of fall-related injuries was 23.4%.
• Independent predictors included female sex, older age, lower BMI, need for public health/walking assistance, low hemoglobin (Hb), and low calcium (Ca).
• Cognitive impairment or dementia diagnosis did not predict fall-related injuries.

Conclusions:

• Fall-related injuries in this population are associated with reduced physical fitness and general health, not cognitive status.
• Prevention strategies should prioritize improving physical fitness and managing comorbidities.
• Cognitive status may influence fall incidence but not necessarily injury severity.