You can’t completely prevent falls — accidents do happen. Adults over age 65, and older adults with dementia in particular, are at a higher risk of falling, for some well-known reasons. These include a higher use of prescription drugs, more night waking, shuffling and other coordination problems, and weakening musculature and balance.

Most falls in people with dementia are “multifactorial,” meaning that a combination of problems contributed to the fall. This makes it especially hard to eliminate falls altogether. But it’s almost always possible to identify risk factors that can be changed or risks that can be compensated for.

What you can do:

With your Doctor’s help….

·         Understand what you’re dealing with

·         Minimize or avoid medications that have been linked to increased falls

·         Ask the doctor about leg strength, gait and balance evaluations

·         Ask about Vitamin D supplementation

·         Ask about osteoporosis