Tips for preventing falls and hip fractures in Parkinson’s patients: By Dr. De Leon

First let’s look at the general population in order to understand how big a problem this is and how to avoid falling if possible.

The number of falls increase with age. The reason for this increase is due to a number of contributing factors such as poor vision, decrease hearing, loss of balance, dizziness, and medication effects to name a few. Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of death especially over the age of 65 since in this age group yearly there is a report of 1 out of 3 people fall. These falls often result in emergency room visits due to lacerations, head injury, and fractures commonly of the hip. Older white men are not just more likely to fall and break a hip and die as a result. Although, women have a higher incidence of fractures particularly twice as much as men death rate not associated with them as for men.

Now, add Parkinson’s disease to this equation where the typical Parkinson’s patient still is a white older male; we are really setting ourselves for a whole lot of troubles unless we begin to recognize the risks and begin preventive measures to avoid and minimize not just falls but serious injuries such as hip fractions. Parkinson’s as we all know is a chronic progressive disease which means most of us will live with it for at least 20 years. Even if we have YOPD at some point we will reach and possibly surpass that age limit for which we become at higher risk for falls. If falls occur later in life after age of 75, studies have shown that individuals are more likely to then be admitted to long term care facilities usually indefinitely.

RISKS For FALLING:

Advancing age
Gender-male
Advanced disease stage
Freezing
Dyskenesias
Orthostatic Hypotension
Loss of balance
Stiffness
Visual problems
Stooped posture- it tends to put the point of gravity forward making it easier to lose balance and go head first.
Dizziness (vasovagal reflex)
Medications-(especially using more than 4)
alcohol
Problems with executive function- forgetting how to walk- consider getting chairs with lap buddy.
Sleep disturbances
White male
Housebound
Lives alone
Difficulty rising from chair- get one of those self lifting chairs
Use of assistive walking devices
Previous falls
Foot problems- e.g diabetic neuropathies, neuromas, arthritis, gout
Environmental hazards
Risky behavior-impulsive- consider alarm systems
Confusion/cognitive problems –i.e., dementia

As you can see there is an extensive list predisposing PD patients to falls but in general advance in age, with advanced disease plus poor vision, and cognition are primary players in determining risk of falls and hip fractures. Our goal is to learn to recognize these symptoms so they can be treated in order to reduce risk most are modifiable behaviors except for age, ethnicity, gender, and disease state.

Steps in reducing the risk of falls / hip fractures:

Eliminate external factors which can increase falls – open spaces for walking, decluttering, and use floor designs with horizontal pattern to aid in movement. Avoid standing on ladders/chairs. Increase lighting throughout living areas and use night light using only non- glare 100 watt or greater incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. Get glasses with tint in them to help with contrast. Staircases should have non slip surfaces and if needed a stair lift placed. Consider medical alert bracelets- many to choose from. Remove rugs. Wear appropriate walking shoes- do not go barefooted. Make sure assistive devices are the right length. Remove any cords. Use bath aids and rails installed in shower and in toilet area- this is one of the most common areas PD people fall especially in the night!the reason sometimes is due to a vasovagal reaction/passing out. often with meds modified problem is solved but sometimes have to add things like midrodine to raise BP or in rare cases place a pacemaker.
Improve home support- do not be alone.
Increase socialization- join a water aerobics class/ tai-chi/ senior centers, support groups This includes getting into a regular exercise regimen – having a friend join you while you walk or swim is much better!
Modify Medications-**** most important**** –since medication side effects can cause a lot of the risk factors for falls like confusion, sleepiness, dizziness, low blood pressure. Periodically need to review ALL medicines this includes over the counter and natural supplements!!
1. Keep diaries of times when stiffer, dyskenetic, having any other problems so meds can be adjusted accordingly and may even need to consider surgery such as deep brain stimulation for dyskenesias if that’s the main cause of the falls.
2. there are many new medications used to treat low blood pressure /orthostatic hypotension such as midrodine, florinef, northera along with compression hose and other tricks to prevent pooling of blood in lower extremities- can be taught by PT/OT
Provide ancillary services –such as PT to improve balance, OT to modify home; both can recommend aid like visual aids or walking devices, helmets to protect brain/skull, etc.
Involve all of the medical team- multi-specialty. Check for other medical illnesses (strokes, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, and inflammatory illnesses like arthritis). Evaluate vitamin D levels since these are usually low in PD and can cause confusion and lead to increased risk of fractures due to an increased risk of osteoporosis. Evaluate B12 levels these too are commonly low in Parkinson’s patients which can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, dementia, and neuropathies. Women may need hormone replacement to increase bone density. Remember that there is an increase in hospitalization and recovery and slightly worse prognosis for PD patients who have hip surgery. MUST prevent at all cost!