Fall risk is higher for those with cognitive impairment

It’s no secret that as we age, we become increasingly at risk of falling, and fall-related injuries are more dangerousfor older adults. What researchers recently learned, however, is potentially significant: a definitive link between cognitive slowing and fall risk, and an opportunity to provide better care for those living with dementia.

It’s no secret that as we age, we become increasingly at risk of falling, and fall-related injuries are more dangerousfor older adults. What researchers recently learned, however, is potentially significant: a definitive link between cognitive slowing and fall risk, and an opportunity to provide better care for those living with dementia.

Manuel Montero-Odasso, M.D., Ph.D., from the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada, and his colleagues set out to study the role of cognition in falls, with the hope of managing and even preventing them in older adults.

Their study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society last year, measured the relationship between gait and cognition in aging adults. The study showed that low performance in attention and executive function was associated with “gait slowing, instability, and future falls.” In addition, older adults with dementia who experience a fall are five times more likely to be admitted to long-term care facilities. They are at higher risk for fractures, head injuries compared to older adults without dementia who experience a fall.

Montero-Odasso and his team concluded that older adults living with dementia should have cognitive training specifically related to their motor function. Montero-Odasso also said he is optimistic about the role virtual reality might play as a therapeutic tool.

Fall risk is more common than you think

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, more than one in three people age 65 years or older falls each year. There are many factors at play, the HHS says. As we age, our eyesight, reflexes, and hearing aren’t what they used to be. Common health issues older adults face, such as thyroid or nerve issues, can also make a person more prone to a fall. In addition, some medications cause drowsiness, which might be enough to cause someone to catch their foot on the end of a rug and be unable to catch themselves before falling.

What else can older adults – and those soon to join the older adult population – do to prevent falls before they happen? The HHS has several suggestions:

  • Stay physically active – Regular exercise keeps muscles, joints, and ligaments healthy and flexible, and may also slow bone loss due to osteoporosis
  • Have your eyesight and hearing tested – Ensure your glasses or contacts prescription is up to date, and if you have a hearing aid, always wear it
  • Ask about the side effects of your medications
  • Get enough sleep!
  • Limit alcohol consumption ­– Even a small amount can be enough to affect your reflexes
  • Stand up slowly – Getting up too quickly can cause your blood pressure to drop, which could be worsened by blood pressure medication
  • Use an assistive device if you need help feeling steady when you walk
  • Be very careful when walking on wet or icy surfaces
  • Wear good shoes – Non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes that fully support your feet can make a big difference
  • Always tell your doctor if you have fallen since your last checkup, even if you aren’t hurt when you fall – A fall could be the result of a new health issue, so your doctor needs to know about it

For more information on fall prevention, visit https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-and-fractures.

Picture of Institute on Aging

Institute on Aging

Related Posts

Questions?

Give our dedicated Client Service Specialists a call. We are ready to help.

Follow Us

A Place to Thrive—Surrounded by Nature’s Beauty 🌿

At IOA’s Enrichment Center in the Presidio, older adults with dementia find comfort, creativity, and connection among the peaceful landscapes of the Presidio.

Engaging activities, social connections, and a serene environment help residents feel safe, inspired, and at ease.

Learn more—link in bio.

#DementiaCare #EnrichmentCenter #CreativeAging #AgingWithDignity #IOACares
Freedom means staying where you feel most like yourself.

IOA Home Care helps older adults maintain independence, comfort, and dignity—right at home.

💙 Personalized support. Thoughtful caregiver matching. Always with you in mind.

#AgingInPlace #IOAHomeCare #IndependenceMatters #IOACares
𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗼𝗽𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁?

Emerging research suggests that the hormonal shifts during menopause may influence a woman’s risk for Alzheimer’s later in life.

In our latest blog, we break down the science behind this connection—and share what women can do now to protect their cognitive health during and after midlife.

💡 Knowledge is power. Start the conversation today.

Read more by clicking the link in our bio! 

#WomensHealth #BrainHealth #MenopauseMatters #AlzheimersSupport #IOACares
🌍 Join us for a vital conversation on elder safety!

We're bringing together experts and advocates to explore the link between social isolation and elder abuse. 💜

📅 Thursday, June 12th, 2025
🕚 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 San Francisco Main Library, Lower Level Auditorium

Moderated by Institute on Aging's Elder Abuse Prevention Supervisor, Ali Chiu, this panel features leaders from Self-Help for the Elderly, Community Living Campaign, and Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach

🟣 Celebrate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by learning how to protect our elders and build stronger, safer communities.

#ElderJustice #WEAAD #ElderAbusePrevention #TrainTheTrainers