Could a Fall Be a Warning Sign for Something WORSE?

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted December 30, 2024

Falls are an unfortunate reality for many older adults.

They’re among the most common causes of injuries and hospital visits for seniors.

But what if a fall could mean something more?

New research raises concerns that falls might be more than just a physical issue—they could be an early warning sign of a devastating condition…

A slip, trip, or fall could be a warning sign of cognitive decline.

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed Medicare data from over 2.4 million older adults who experienced traumatic injuries between 2014 and 2015.

The findings were eye-opening: Nearly 11 percent of seniors who suffered a fall were diagnosed with dementia within the next year. That’s nearly double the rate of dementia diagnoses among those who experienced other types of injuries.

Even after accounting for factors like age, pre-existing health conditions, and injury severity, the study showed that falls were associated with a 21 percent higher risk of developing dementia.

This means that if you or a loved one has recently experienced a fall, it may be time to pay extra attention to cognitive health.

Now, why would a fall signal the onset of dementia? Researchers believe the relationship works in two ways.

First, some people may already have undiagnosed dementia when they fall. These falls often happen because cognitive decline makes it harder to navigate everyday tasks safely.

In other cases, a fall may be an early symptom of mild cognitive impairment—a precursor to full-blown dementia.

Dr. Molly Jarman, the senior author of the study, suggests that the trauma of a fall could even accelerate the progression of cognitive decline. In other words, a fall may not just be a symptom of dementia—it could speed up the process of developing it.

The risk may be even higher for older adults who aren’t living in skilled nursing facilities. The study found that community-dwelling seniors who experienced a fall had a 27 percent greater chance of developing dementia than those who hadn’t fallen.

The idea that a fall could be a signal of cognitive decline is worrying, but there’s good news.

Early detection of dementia can make a big difference. If you or a loved one has recently experienced a fall, here are some actionable steps to consider:

• Schedule a cognitive screening: If you’ve experienced a fall, don’t wait to check on your brain health. A simple cognitive screening can help identify early signs of dementia or cognitive decline. Early diagnosis can lead to earlier intervention and support.
• Prevent future falls: Take steps to reduce your risk of falling again. This includes installing grab bars in key areas of the home, removing tripping hazards like loose rugs, and ensuring that your home is well-lit.
• Stay active: Regular physical activity can help improve balance and coordination, which can reduce your risk of falls. Activities like walking, yoga, and strength training can be particularly beneficial. Feeling unsteady on your feet? Ask your doctor for a referral to physical therapy.
• Talk to your doctor: If you’ve fallen, talk to your healthcare provider about the potential link to cognitive health. They can guide you on what to watch for and how to manage your overall health moving forward.

This research highlights just how closely linked physical and cognitive health can be, especially as we age. It’s a reminder that injuries like falls shouldn’t be brushed off as just an accident—they could be telling us something important about brain health.

P.S. Weird trick slashes the risk of falls? Get the details here.

Source:

Ordoobadi AJ, Dhanani H, Tulebaev SR, Salim A, Cooper Z, Jarman MP. Risk of Dementia Diagnosis After Injurious Falls in Older Adults. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(9):e2436606. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.36606

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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