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.
View More Free Articles
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...
Can Your “Poop Schedule” Predict Disease?
We all do it. If you’re alive, you poop. Some of us are so regular that we could set a clock based on our bathroom habits. Others, not so much. And yet, talking about bowel movements remains one of those taboo topics. Even your doctor skims over it during your annual checkup! But the truth...
Mailbag: "Digestive Drama" Strikes MILLIONS Over 50
“As an older woman I’m noticing changes in my digestion. Why does it become more difficult to digest food as we get older?” —Grumbling Gut Age-related changes to digestion are common, and they don’t get talked about nearly enough. It seems our stomachs decide to alter the rules just when we’ve mastered the game of...