PREVALENCE OF FALL AND SOME FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH FALLS IN OLDER PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract

Background: Falls are common among people with dementia. Examining the prevalence of falls and the associated risk factors is essential to inform fall-risk screening, caregiver education and support, and the development of prevention strategies for this high-risk older population. Aim: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of falls and identify factors associated with falls in older adults with dementia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among outpatients aged ≥60 years with dementia. Dementia was diagnosed by neuropsychiatrists according to the DSM-5 criteria. Results: A total of 87 participants were included in the study, with a mean age of 76.84 ± 8.38 years, and 65.52% were female. Overall, 26 participants (29.89%) experienced at least one fall during the previous year, and 11 participants (12.65%) had two or more falls. Falls in older adults with dementia were significantly associated with female sex and polypharmacy (p<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of falls among people with dementia was relatively high, particularly among women and participants with comorbidities. These findings highlight the need for effective fall prevention strategies targeting older adults with dementia.