30 Dementia and Falls

Abstract

Cognitive impairment is a risk factor for falls and injury in older people. The profile of people with dementia reflects both physical and cognitive contributors to overall risk of falls. Over the years there have been a number of studies looking at falls and injury prevention in this high risk population. The approaches to intervention have varied with exercise being the most common modality of treatment. This presentation will unpack the role of cognition in postural stability and review the latest literature in the prevention of falls in older people with dementia. It will include presentation of data from a recently completed randomised controlled trial looking at a combined physiotherapy and occupational therapy intervention tailored to the participants’ cognitive abilities as well as pilot data looking at the feasibility of iPAD technology to deliver exercise to people with dementia in the home environment.