Older adult fall injuries might be early dementia sign

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Watching a family member grow older and begin to decline physically or mentally can be heartbreaking. It can also be extremely frustrating for the person in decline.
One fall can be devastating and life-changing. As we age, our bodies don’t bounce back as quickly as they once did.
A recent study shows that fall injuries can also be an early indicator of cognitive decline.
Boston-area researchers looked at Medicare data for more than 2.4 million adults 66 years and older who experienced a traumatic injury between 2014 and 2015. The adults who had a fall were notably more likely to receive a dementia diagnosis within a year of the fall. Those with other types of injuries were not as likely to receive a dementia diagnosis.
After accounting for age, injury severity, and preexisting health conditions, those who fell were 21% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia.
The researchers suggested the link may be due to the person having undiagnosed dementia that is only discovered after the fall. They may also have mild cognitive impairment, which can be a precursor to dementia, which increases their risk of falling.
While dementia is not a curable condition, an early diagnosis can open doors to treatment and resources for the person affected as well as their friends and family members.
The scientists recommend a more widespread approach to preventing falls and post-fall care for older adults, as well as more clinicians who can provide comprehensive care.
Ultimately, having as much information as possible as early as possible is key to helping the elderly stay safe and comfortable as they age.