Falls are the most common cause of injury in older adults, with 27.5% of older adults reporting a fall in the past year. Falls in older adults can lead to substantial morbidity, a decline in functional status, and a loss of independence. But could it be possible to develop dementia after a fall with an injury? Growing evidence now suggests an association between falls and dementia risk in older adults. Studies have shown that patients who experience hip fractures, a common injury following falls, are at an increased risk for a future dementia diagnosis.

In a retrospective cohort study of older Medicare beneficiaries who experienced traumatic injuries, new dementia diagnoses were more frequent after falls than with other types of injuries. This association between falls and the incidence of dementia highlights the importance of cognitive screening for older adults who experience a fall that leads to an ED visit or hospital admission.

Cognitive screening can be conducted with tools like the Mini-Cog, Cognitive Impairment Care Planning Toolkit, or AD8, which can indicate cognitive changes over time. Longer screening tools, such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), may also be suitable for residents with a high suspicion of cognitive impairment. Implementing cognitive screening after injurious falls may help with the timely diagnosis of dementia, enabling a more resident-centered approach to caring for the resident and supporting their family.

Consider developing your own process! Gather the tools mentioned above and create a screening protocol for new admissions and residents with a history of falls. You may gain valuable insights into falls and dementia risk in older adults.

Stay well and stay informed!