Increase in falls could be an early sign of Alzheimer's
Published 18 July 2011
An increase in the number of falls is an early indicator of Alzheimer's and is also linked to build up of amyloid in the brain – a hallmark of Alzheimer’s - according to research.
The research was presented at the International Conference of Alzheimer's Disease. As part of the study, by Washington University, Missouri, 114 older adults recorded how many times they fell. Cerebrospinal fluid and PiB PET scans were also carried out to record levels of tau in the spinal fluid and amyloid-beta in the brain - two common hallmarks of Alzheimer's. Over five months, the study found that people with amyloid-beta build up in the brain were 5.36 times more likely to experience a fall than healthy older adults.
Alzheimer's Society comment:
'Alzheimer's does not just affect a person's memory. It can also affect many other things including spatial awareness, co-ordination and balance. This relatively small study backs up what we already know that fall risk increases in early stages of dementia. However, it does little to move us forward in our understanding.'
'Around 60 per cent of people with dementia never receive a diagnosis. A diagnosis is essential to enable people to access help, support and treatments and to plan for the future. If people are worried about their coordination, spatial awareness, or other symptoms linked to dementia it is important they speak to their GP.'
Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society
Research Reference: Risk of falls among older adults with preclinical Alzheimer's by Susan Stark
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Notes to editors:
- One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
- Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
- Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
- Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
