Falls and Injuries Resulting from Falls among Patients with Parkinsonism: A Reappraisal.

BACKGROUND

In 2002 we ascertained the frequency and predictors of falling and injuries among our parkinsonian patients.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate changes in falls and injuries among our parkinsonian patients between 2002 and 2021.

METHODS

A survey collected information about falls, injuries, and related health care from patients treated at our center in 2019 and 2020 (N = 2731). Outcomes included falls, fractures, injuries, and related health services. Explanatory variables included sex, age, disease duration, atypical parkinsonism, and dementia. Results were compared to the 2002 survey.

RESULTS

1615 surveys were analyzed. There were 54.3% fallers; 62.7% sustained injuries, 31.1% fractures; 59.8% of injuries required health services. Dementia and atypical parkinsonism predicted falling. Female sex, atypical parkinsonism, and dementia predicted fracture. 26% fewer injuries required health services compared to 2002.

CONCLUSIONS

Proportion of fallers and fractures have not changed in our Center since 2002. Fewer injuries required health services.