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Fall determinants in older long-term care residents with dementia: a systematic review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 December 2012

Tobias F. Kröpelin ,
Jacques C. L. Neyens ,
Ruud J. G. Halfens ,
Gertrudis I. J. M. Kempen  and
Jan P. H. Hamers
Tobias F. Kröpelin*
Affiliation:
Department for Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
Jacques C. L. Neyens
Affiliation:
Department for Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
Ruud J. G. Halfens
Affiliation:
Department for Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
Gertrudis I. J. M. Kempen
Affiliation:
Department for Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
Jan P. H. Hamers
Affiliation:
Department for Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Tobias F. Kröpelin, BA, Department for Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands. Phone: +31 68 334 2092; Fax: +31 43 388 4162. Email: t.kroepelin@student.maastrichtuniversity.nl.
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Abstract

Background: Persons with dementia are two to three times more likely to fall compared to persons without dementia. In long-term care settings, the dementia prevalence is highest. Therefore, older long-term care residents with dementia can be considered a high-risk group for falls. Nevertheless, no systematic evaluation of fall determinants in this population was found. The purpose of this study was to identify fall determinants among older long-term care residents with dementia or cognitively impaired persons in long-term care, by conducting a systematic literature review.

Methods: We searched English, French, Dutch, and German articles listed in: CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science. Additionally, references of included articles were screened. Studies were included if determinants or circumstances of falls in older persons with dementia living in long-term care were assessed.

Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Three studies were excluded from detailed analysis because of insufficient quality. Use of psychotropic drugs, a “fair or poor” general health, gait impairments, and age were associated with an increased fall risk. Also trunk restraints were associated with an increased number of falls while full bedrails and wandering behavior were protective against falls.

Conclusions: Fall risk factors known from other populations, e.g. use of psychotropic drugs, physical restraints, and health conditions, are found in long-term care residents with dementia as well. Due to the limited evidence available, future studies with adequate sample sizes and prospective designs are required to determine specific fall risk factors and verify existing results in this population.

Keywords

fallsrisk factorsdementialong-term caresystematic reviewolder peoplephysical restraintspsychotropic drugsgait
Type
Review Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 25 , Issue 4 , April 2013 , pp. 549 - 563
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2012

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