7: Falls

Question 1

As you age, your likelihood of falling (increases / decreases).

Answer 1

increases

Question 2

What is the percentage chance that an older person will die within one year of a fall?

Answer 2

10%

Question 3

Older people who live alone have a greater mortality rate following falls - why?

Answer 3

They can’t summon help

Question 4

(Men / Women) are more likely to fall.

Answer 4

Women

Question 5

Why does having fallen previously contribute to functional decline in older people?

Answer 5

Injury or fear of falling lead to immobilisation

Muscle disuse

Sarcopenia

Question 6

What happens to your vision as you age?

Answer 6

Declines

Question 7

What happens to your reaction time as you age?

Answer 7

Reaction time becomes more delayed

Question 8

What is sarcopenia?

Answer 8

Loss of muscle mass AND function with age

Question 9

Long-term ___ contribute to an older person’s likelihood of falling.

Answer 9

long-term conditions

Question 10

What cardiovascular symptom can trigger a fall?

Answer 10

(Pre)syncope

Question 11

What are some cardiovascular diseases which can cause syncope?

Answer 11

Aortic stenosis

Arrythmias

Postural hypotension

Question 12

What is postural hypotension?

Answer 12

Sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing

Question 13

A problem with judgement, perception or orientation is also known as a ___ ___.

Answer 13

cognitive impairment

Question 14

What ENT symptom can cause a fall?

Answer 14

Vertigo

i.e the sensation of spinning, not just “dizziness”

Question 15

What is the most common vestibular disease causing vertigo?

How is it diagnosed?

How is it treated?

Answer 15

BPPV

Hallpike manoeuvre (turn the patient’s head rapidly, look for strabismus)

Epley manoeuvre (series of rotations which are supposed to shift the crystals within the semicircular canals of the ear)

Question 16

Which disease of the eye, common in old age, can contribute to falls?

Answer 16

Cataracts

Question 17

Problems with the way you walk, i.e your ___, can cause falls.

Answer 17

gait

Question 18

What are some diseases which affect your gait?

Answer 18

MSK problems e.g arthritis

Stroke

Parkinson’s disease

Question 19

Factors within the home, i.e ___ factors, can contribute to falls.

Answer 19

environmental factors

Question 20

Whose job is it to change an older person’s environment to decrease the likelihood of falls?

Answer 20

Occupational therapist

Question 21

___, i.e being on loads of drugs, increases your likelihood of falling.

Answer 21

Polypharmacy