Millions of older people fall every single year in the United States. According to the CDC, falls are a leading cause of injury and injury-related deaths in people 65 and older. But just what causes unstableness in senior citizens, and what can concerned family members and caregivers of a senior do to help?
Common Causes of Balance Problems in Older Adults
There is no singular cause of balance issues in elderly people, although the following health conditions and risk factors can increase the risk of balance disorders and the risk of falling.
Terminal Illness
Terminal illnesses like end-stage cancer can lead to several risk factors for falling, including loss of muscle strength, lightheadedness, fatigue, and more.
Palliative care for terminal patients can provide comfort and improve quality of life in their remaining time.
Age-Related Disabilities and Decline
Muscle weakness, osteoarthritis, cataracts, and other disabilities and medical conditions that are common with old age can all increase fall risk.
The best way to combat these conditions is to regularly exercise, eat a healthy diet, and manage any conditions as they appear, such as receiving surgery for cataracts.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune disease and neurological condition that attacks the central nervous system, which can lead to intense pain, tingling nerves, ataxia, disrupted balance, difficulty walking, and more.
There is no cure for MS, but treatment can help manage the symptoms and slow how quickly the disease progresses. Common treatment options include immunosuppressants, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease (heart disease) is incredibly common in US seniors. According to Journal of the American Heart Association, an estimated “70% of people over 70 years old will develop” this condition. Since heart disease can disrupt blood flow to the brain, it can lead to heightened dizziness, sudden blood pressure drops (orthostatic hypotension), and fainting. Conversely, heart disease can also lead to high blood pressure (hypertension) due to narrowing blood vessels, which also correlates with increased odds of falling.
Treating heart disease and its complications, like high blood pressure, are key fall prevention methods. Popular treatment methods for heart disease include:
- Smoking cessation
- Healthy diet
- Exercise
- Medications
- Surgery
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological disorder that can lead to severe musculoskeletal issues, including impaired balance, cognitive issues, dizziness, tremors, and muscle stiffness.
There is no cure for PD, but treatment can slow the disease’s progression, improve quality of life, and reduce one’s fear of falling. Common PD treatments include:
- Healthy diet
- Appropriate exercise
- Medications, including antidepressants
- Therapy, including occupational, speech, and physical therapy
- Surgery
Dementia
Cognitive impairment, including that seen with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, can increase the risk of falls in older adults. Other symptoms of dementia—like fatigue, balance issues, and gait changes—further increase this risk, making fall prevention for dementia patients a safety priority.
Ways to reduce the odds of falling for dementia patients include:
- Improving lighting in their environment
- Installing handrails and anti-slip maps in key locations
- Ensuring they get enough rest
Poor Eyesight
Eyesight tends to decline with age, which can make seeing potential tripping hazards difficult for older adults, upping their fall risks. As such, it’s important for older people to stay on top of their ocular health, which includes regular eye doctor appointments, using proper corrective lenses (if needed), and seeking treatments/surgery for conditions like cataracts.
Vertigo
Dizziness and vertigo are incredibly common in the elderly, with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and Meniere’s disease being the two of the most common causes of vertigo in elderly people. Treating these conditions can reduce dizziness and balance incoordination; common treatments for these conditions include:
- Epley maneuver/canalith repositioning procedure
- Decreasing salt consumption
- Limiting caffeine intake
- Smoking cessation
- Medications
Peripheral Neuropathy
Also known as peripheral neuritis, peripheral neuropathy occurs when certain nerves become damaged, leading to symptoms that increase the odds of a fall, such as muscle pain, weakness, and tingling.
Treatment options that can help manage these symptoms include medication and surgery.
Labyrinthitis
An inflammation of the inner ear, labyrinthitis can lead to dizziness and a loss of balance. It is commonly treated with drugs like antihistamines and steroids.
While labyrinthitis is most common in people aged 30 to 60, older adults are more likely to see more severe symptoms like longer-lasting dizziness.
Medication Side Effects
Older people are often on several medications at once to manage a variety of conditions. Sometimes, these medications may have unpleasant interactions or side effects that impact balance, gait, and more.
In these cases, it’s important for elderly adults to talk with their prescribing doctor about any side effects that increase their odds of falling.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Common vitamin and nutrient deficiencies in older people that can increase their odds of falling include:
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Calcium
Reducing Fall Risk in the Older People
Popular fall interventions for the elderly include:
- Balance training
- Physical therapy like tai chi
- Medication management
- Regular physical activity
- Using assistive devices
- Proper senior living conditions
If you or a loved one lives with fear of falling, know that you are not alone. Avista Senior Living is here to help. Our courteous staff members can walk you through your senior care options, including setting up a tour at one of our memory care facilities specially designed to implement fall interventions for dementia patients.
Disclaimers: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional healthcare advice and cannot be used to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition.