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Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
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Statins and Hospitalizations from Recurrent Falls in the Elderly
Zvi Shimoni1,2, Erika Eva Kalaora3, Vered Hermush1,4
1The Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ari'el, Israel.
Gerontology
|September 2, 2025
Summary
Elderly patients on atorvastatin or insulin had higher odds of recurrent falls. This study highlights potential medication risks for fall prevention in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Statin-induced myopathy may increase fall risk in elderly individuals.
- Medication management is crucial for fall prevention in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific medications and recurrent falls in hospitalized elderly patients.
- To identify potential drug-related risk factors for falls in geriatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 463 hospitalized patients aged ≥70 with falls (2020-2021).
- Compared patients with recurrent falls versus single falls.
- Analyzed primary predictors including statins, insulin, and polypharmacy using univariate and multivariate analysis.
Main Results:
- Recurrent falls occurred in 19.0% of patients.
- Atorvastatin treatment was independently associated with increased odds of recurrent falls (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.01-2.81).
- Insulin treatment was also independently associated with increased odds of recurrent falls (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.23-4.95).
Conclusions:
- An independent association exists between atorvastatin, insulin, and recurrent falls in elderly hospitalized patients.
- These findings suggest a need for further investigation into medication safety and fall risk in older adults.
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