CDC Study "Fall Prevention and Seniors"

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention released a study in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report March 6, 2008, underscoring the impact of older adult falls. The new study addresses the need for greater resources and fall prevention for America's senior citizens.

The CDC studied the frequency and effects of falls on Americans 65 years of age and older. The studies findings will be used to help develop new resources to deal with prevention. The study analyzed data in a three-month period. Elders in the study were asked if that had fallen and been injured at any time within the last three months. An estimated 5.8 million of the senior adults reported at least one fall in the three months. An estimated 1.8 million of those who fell sought medical treatment or restricted their activity the day after the fall. In total, an approximate 5% of adults 65 years of age and older were treated for, or limited activity due to a fall, in the months.

The study found no difference in numbers among men and women who reported a fall. However, the study did find about 36 % of women reported an injury from the fall compared to 25% of men. Among the falls, American Indians and Alaska Natives accounted for 28%. Thirty percent of those who fell reported an injury that required medical treatment by a health facility.

As the United States population of aging adults continues to increase, the CDC says the amount of falls will increase as well. The CDC has developed prior resources to help communities, families, and caregivers in preventing falls. The "Help Seniors Live Better, Longer: Prevent Brain Injury" is an initiative developed among 26 organizations to help the children and care givers of older adults. The initiative features materials and media guides with information pertaining to recognizing and responding to fall-related traumatic brain injury. The CDC hopes to use the current and future studies to expand on the resources available.

Among the many injuries that can proceed a fall, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most devastating and can lead to permanent disability and death.
According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (a CDC organization), of the 1.4 million who sustain a TBI yearly in the U.S. 50,000 die. As well, 235,000 are hospitalized and 1.1 million are treated and released from the emergency room.

TBI from falls accounts for 28% of causes. The signs can be subtle. The symptoms may take days or weeks following a fall to appear. Many times, symptoms become ignored or misunderstood since the victim may not appear injured, though they may act or feel differently.

The mental or emotional symptoms of TBI can include a difficult time holding concentration or slow thinking and speaking, becoming easily lost or confused, and mood changes. Physical symptoms may include vomiting or nausea, a prolonged headache or neck pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or sound, loss of smell or taste, and ringing in the ears.

The long terms outcomes of TBI can cause a wide range of changes that affect thinking, sensation, language or emotional skills. TBI can also cause an onset of epilepsy. The risk of some conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's,' and other brain disorders can be increases by TBI. For more information on the outcomes associated with TBI, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control website contains various publications.

In a 2006 report, the CDC found falls among seniors becoming a leading cause of death. From 1993-2006 fatal falls increased among seniors at a rate of 55%.

The CDC recommends several steps to help seniors minimize the risk of a fall.

*Exercising regularly, concentrating on activities that will help improve balance and strength.

*Ask the doctor of pharmacist to review medications (both prescription and over the counter) and look for side effects or interactions that may effect balance.
*Have the person's eyes checked by a doctor at least once a year.

*Make their home safer by eliminating any falling hazards. Also, improve lighting and keep object in easy but safe reach You may order or download free brochures and materials related to fall prevention on the CDC website.

The CDC website also provides online publications about cost, prevention, resources, activities, and information about older adults and the risk of falling.

The CDC and medical community advise families and caregivers, of those at highest risk for a fall, to speak to the individual about the dangers. In addition, an assessment of risk and a development of prevention should be discussed with their PCP.