La prevenzione delle cadute in casa di riposo
Transcription
La prevenzione delle cadute in casa di riposo
Convegno per Medici, Infermieri e Educatori accreditato al programma di Educazione Continua in Medicina della Regione Lombardia. Fondazione Madre Cabrini ONLUS Sant’Angelo Lodigiano (LO) 6 Ottobre 2010 La prevenzione delle cadute in casa di riposo: è realmente possibile? Corrado Carabellese Responsabile Sanitario Fondazione Bresciana di Iniziative Sociali Onlus Gruppo di Ricerca Geriatrica PREVALENZA -Il 30% degli adulti oltre 65 anni cade ogni anno - la metà di esse sono una “recidiva” - Approssimativamente il 10% delle cadute riporta conseguenze gravi (fratture di femore, ematoma subdurale cronico, trauma cranico, lesioni dei tessuti molli) e nelle RSA sino al 25% - Le cadute sono la quinta causa di morte negli anziani - il numero delle cadute aumenta progressivamente con l’età in entrambi i sessi senza differenza per razza. - più della metà dei residenti in “nursing home” e negli ospedali cade ogni anno. (Tinetti ME 2003 e Rubenstein LZ 2006) EPIDEMIOLOGIA IN RSA - E’ stimato che Il 40% dei ricoveri in RSA è dovuto a cadute - L’incidenza in RSA è in media pari a 1.5 cadute/postoletto/anno - molti ospiti presentano recidive di caduta - La percentuale è superiore di 3 volte rispetto all’incidenza in comunità - Il 5-20% degli ospiti viene ricoverato in ospedale Cadute in RSA Residenze “Carabellese” RSA “Anni Azzurri” 2006 Pl.166 150 0.90 16 (10.6%) 60.0% 87.5% 12.5% Cadute in RSA - Dati “Anni Azzurri” Rezzato 2006 Most common Risk factors for falls (Rubenstein, JAGS 2001) MARKER DI DISFUNZIONE OMEOSTATICA Eventi a genesi multifattoriale (Alexander 1996) Fattori di rischio intrinseci (Trueblood 1991); (invecchiamento fisiologico, malattie acute e croniche); Fattori di rischio estrinseci (Trueblood 1991); (attività del soggetto e ostacoli ambientali) Rubenstein, Age Ageing, 2006 Modificazioni fisiologiche età-correlate Condizioni patologiche Alterazioni del cammino Turbe dell’equilibrio * Fattori ambientali * 20-40% > 65 anni, 40-50% > 85 anni Rubenstein, 2006 Modificazioni fisiologiche età-correlate Si riducono l’acuità visiva, l’adattamento al buio, la capacità di accomodazione e la percezione della profondità Declinano le sensibilità propiocettiva, vibratoria e tattile Si riduce l’efficienza del sistema vestibolare, con aumento delle oscillazioni spontanee in posizione eretta E’ alterata l’integrazione a livello centrale degli input sensoriali e delle risposte motorie; si allungano i tempi di reazione; le risposte posturali volontarie possono essere ritardate anche da un diminuito livello di attenzione Si riducono la massa muscolare, la forza, la potenza e la resistenza muscolare, in particolare nei muscoli antigravitazionali (quadricipiti ed estensori dell’anca) Si riduce la flessibilità articolare Vi è un’aumentata tendenza alla cifosi dorsale, con spostamento in avanti del baricentro rispetto alla base di appoggio del corpo Condizioni patologiche che predispongono alle cadute (1) Patologie neurologiche: Malattie della vista: TIA e ictus Morbo di Parkinson Crisi epilettiche Insufficienza vertebrobasilare Patologie cerebellari Delirium Demenza Cataratta Glaucoma Degenerazione maculare Neuropatie Vertigini Sensazione di sbandamento (dizziness) Depressione Ansia Paura di cadere Uso di lenti bifocali Malattie psichiatriche: Condizioni patologiche che predispongono alle cadute (2) Patologie cardiovascolari: Disordini metabolici: Aritmie Infarto miocardico Ipotensione ortostatica Ipotensione postprandiale Ipersensibilità del seno carotideo Cardiopatie con insufficiente gettata sistolica (cardiomiopatie, stenosi aortica, …) Flebopatie (insufficiente ritorno venoso) Ipoglicemia Disidratazione Iponatriemia Ipokaliemia Ipotiroidismo Anemia Condizioni patologiche che predispongono alle cadute (3) Patologie dell’apparato locomotore: Varie: Artropatie Miopatie Esiti di fratture Sincope da defecazione Sarcopenia Patologie “minori” dei piedi (callosità, deformità delle unghie e delle dita dei piedi, borsiti dell’alluce, …) Sincope post-minzionale Sincope da tosse Iperventilazione Processo infettivo Emorragia in atto Livello di cognitività molto basso con demenza grave (MMSE 0-7) si associa ad un basso livello funzionale ed ad un più basso rischio di caduta Livello di cognitività medio con demenza severa (MMSE 9-16) si associa ad un livello di funzionalità intermedio e ad un più alto rischio di caduta (Kallin K. 2004) Farmaci che aumentano il rischio di cadute: antiipertensivi e diuretici benzodiazepine (spt a lunga emivita) neurolettici antidepressivi (inclusi SSRI) anticonvulsivanti antiparkinsoniani antiaritmici steroidi FANS alcool l’assunzione di 4 o più farmaci è un fattore di rischio indipendente di caduta (M Tinetti, 2003) Fattori ambientali Sedie senza braccioli, di altezza inadeguata Scaffali troppo alti Presenza di ostacoli Eccessivo ingombro Calzature e abbigliamento inadeguati Pavimenti scivolosi, o irregolari Presenza di gradini (non segnalati, troppo alti, …) Pavimenti troppo lucidi (abbaglianti) Tappetini Mancanza di corrimano Letto di altezza inadeguata, senza piano rigido Ruote del letto (o del comodino) sbloccate Illuminazione notturna inadeguata Vasca da bagno o doccia scivolosi Mancanza di maniglioni Altezza inadeguata di wc e bidet Scarsa illuminazione Eccessivo abbagliamento Ambiente non familiare Fattori di rischio di caduta confermati da 2 o più studi (M Tinetti, 2003) Artrosi Ipotensione ortostatica Depressione Compromissione cognitiva (demenza) Deficit visivo Alterazioni dell’equilibrio e dell’andatura Ridotta forza muscolare Assunzione contemporanea di 4 o più farmaci Precedenti episodi di caduta Fattori di rischio di caduta Storia di precedenti cadute Paura di cadere Polifarmacoterapia e assunzione di farmaci particolari Alterazione della mobilita’ Alterazione della vista Rischi domestici Isolamento sociale David A. Ganz, MD, MPH; Yeran Bao, MD; Paul G. Shekelle, MD, PhD; Laurence Z. Rubenstein, MD, MPH JAMA. 2007;297:77-86. Objective To identify the prognostic value of risk factors for future falls among older patients. Data Synthesis Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria … Patients who have fallen in the past year are more likely to fall again [likelihood ratio range, 2.3-2.8]. The most consistent predictors of future falls are clinically detected abnormalities of gait or balance (likelihood ratio range, 1.72.4). Incidenza delle cadute in rapporto al numero dei fattori di rischio Tinetti et al N Engl J Med 1988 Robbins et al Arch Intern Med 1989 Nevitt et al. JAMA 1999 0-1 4 27% 78% 0 3 12% 100% 0 4 10% 69% VALUTAZIONE Poiché esiste una complessa interazione tra le cause di caduta che riconoscono natura multifattoriale (Alexander 1996): si rende necessaria una valutazione dell’anziano di tipo globale, che ne permetta un inquadramento clinico completo, spesso anche di difficile interpretazione. AGS, BGS, AAOS Guidelines (2001) 1. 2. 3. 4. Tutti gli anziani devono essere interrogati almeno una volta all’anno su eventuali cadute Tutti gli anziani che segnalano una singola caduta devono essere osservati nell’esecuzione del “Get up and go test” Anziani che mostrano difficoltà o instabilità nell’esecuzione del test richiedono un ulteriore approfondimento Anziani che si rivolgono al medico a causa di una caduta o che riferiscono ripetute cadute nell’ultimo anno o che evidenziano turbe della deambulazione e/o dell’equilibrio devono essere sottoposti ad una valutazione approfondita JAGS, 2001 AGS, BGS, AAOS Guidelines: fall evaluation Anamnesi: circostanze della caduta, farmaci, patologie acute e croniche in atto, livelli di autonomia motoria Valutazione della vista, deambulazione ed equilibrio, funzionalità delle articolazioni degli arti inferiori Valutazione neurologica (stato cognitivo, forza muscolare, nervi periferici, sensibilità propriocettiva, riflessi, funzione corticale, extrapiramidale e cerebellare) Valutazione cardiovascolare (frequenza cardiaca e ritmo, PA ed FC in ortostatismo e, se opportuno, dopo stimolazione del seno carotideo) JAGS, 2001 Assessing care of vulnerable olders (ACOVE): indicatori di qualità 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. In tutti gli anziani vulnerabili verificare eventuali cadute almeno una volta all’anno Verificare almeno una volta la presenza di eventuali disturbi del cammino e dell’equilibrio Se un anziano è caduto 2 o più volte nel corso dell’anno o una volta sola ma con lesioni che hanno richiesto un trattamento, deve essere sottoposto ad una valutazione approfondita Lo stesso se riferisce o presenta turbe del cammino e dell’equilibrio Proporre un programma di esercizi fisici adeguati e la fornitura di ausili per la deambulazione Ann Intern Med, 2001 Strumenti di valutazione del rischio di caduta • Timed Get Up and Go Test (Podsiadlo et al, 1991) • Tinetti Balance Scale (Tinetti, 1986) • On leg balance • Falls Efficacy Scale (Tinetti et al, 1990) • Tinetti’s Falls Efficacy Scale (Tinetti et al., 1990) Strumenti di valutazione del rischio di caduta Tinetti Balance Scale questa scala permette di: • • • • associare un punteggio alle abilità valutate verificare la variazione dell’indice di rischio di caduta nel tempo verificare l’efficacia degli interventi adottati. Si compone di due parti: equilibrio (0-16) ed andatura (0-12) • Punteggio 0 – 1: soggetto non deambulante • Punteggio 2 – 19: soggetto deambulante a rischio di caduta • Punteggio 20 – 28: soggetto deambulante a basso rischio di caduta Strumenti di valutazione del rischio di caduta Get up and Go Test ESECUZIONE: • alzarsi dalla sedia (Altezza seduta 46 cm circa) senza l’aiuto delle mani, • camminare per 3 m., girarsi, tornare e restare fermo. • sedersi senza l’aiuto delle mani. • Tempo <20 secondi (adeguato ed indipendente nei trasferimenti e mobilità) • Tempo >30 secondi (dipendenza e rischio di caduta) • AUTORI: Mathias S, Nayak USL, Isaacs B, 1986. • FINALITA’: prima valutazione della mobilità di base. • CARATTERISTICHE: è rapido e facile somministrare. • LIMITI: L’assegnazione del punteggio è discutibile da Strumenti di valutazione del rischio di caduta On Leg Balance • AUTORI: Wellas, Wayne, Romero, Baumagartner, Rubenstein, Garry ,1997. • FINALITA’: vuole essere un fattore predittivo significativo per le cadute con le complicanze più gravi. • CARATTERISTICHE: è un test facile da somministrare e da riprodurre. • LIMITI: scala di tipo descrittivo, non abbastanza sensibile per essere predittiva nella maggior parte degli eventi caduta. Strumenti di valutazione del rischio di caduta Fall Risk Index • • • • AUTORE: Tinetti, Williams, Mayewski, 1986. FINALITA’: mettere in relazione l’aumento del rischio di caduta con il numero delle aree funzionali affette da disabilità significative CARATTERISTICHE: suggerire che, oltre a fattori come l’andatura e l’equilibrio, esistono altre condizioni responsabili di caduta. LIMITI: non prende in considerazione la severità o la cronicità dei fattori di rischio valutati INDICE: include 9 fattori di rischio di caduta, fra quelli ritenuti più importanti: - grado di mobilità, - vista, - udito, - tono dell’umore, -stato mentale, - esame del dorso, - pressione arteriosa, - farmaci somministrati - A.D.L. all’ammissione in Istituto TINNETTI’S FALLS EFFICACY SCALE In una scala da 1 a 10, dove 1 significa estremamente sicuro e 10 assolutamente insicuro, quanto ti senti sicuro nel………. (J Gerontol Psych Sci, 1990) Molto sicuro Per nulla sicuro Fare il bagno o la doccia? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Cercare qualcosa in un armadio? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Preparare il pranzo (non include portare oggetti pesanti o bollenti)? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Camminare per la casa? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Entrare/uscire dal letto? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Rispondere alla porta o al telefono? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Alzarsi/sedersi dalla sedia? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Vestirsi/vestirsi? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Fare lavori domestici leggeri? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Fare piccole spese? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 • Un semplice test clinico: stop walking when talking è predittivo di caduta con un potere predittivo positivo del 83%. (Lundin Olson L. Stop walking when talking as predictor of falls in elderly people The lancet 349, 1997 617) EZIOLOGIA MULTIFATTORIALE DELLE CADUTE Gerontology. 2006;52(1):1-16. Force platform measurements as predictors of falls among older people - a review. Piirtola M, Era P. BACKGROUND: Poor postural balance is one of the major risk factors for falling. The force platform technique has widely been used as a tool to assess balance. METHODS: The study was done as a systematic literature review. PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL databases from 1950 to April 2005 were used. Results: Nine original prospective studies were included in the final analyses. In five studies fall-related outcomes were associated with some force platform measures and in the remaining four studies associations were not found. For the various parameters derived on the basis of the force platform data, the mean speed of the mediolateral (ML) movement of the center of pressure (COP) during normal standing with the eyes open and closed, the mean amplitude of the ML movement of the COP with the eyes open and closed, and the root-mean-square value of the ML displacement of COP were the indicators that showed significant associations with future falls. Measures related to dynamic posturography (moving platforms) were not predictive of falls. The results suggest that certain aspects of force platform data may have predictive value for subsequent falls, especially various indicators of the lateral control of posture. However, the small number of studies available makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. CONCLUSION: EZIOLOGIA MULTIFATTORIALE DELLE CADUTE J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 1995 Nov;50 Spec No:64-7. Strength is a major factor in balance, gait, and the occurrence of falls. Wolfson L, Judge J, Whipple R, King M. Department of Neurology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, USA. We studied the effects of lower extremity strength as well as gait and balance on the occurrence of falls in nursing home residents. Nursing home residents with a history of falls had less than half of the knee and ankle strength of nonfalling subjects residing in the same home. The differences were more prominent at the ankle than the knee, and were most pronounced in the ankle dorsiflexors, where they were one-tenth that of controls. Also of note was the fact that this same group of fallers had slowed gait velocity (58% of control) as well as an impaired response to postural perturbation as determined on the Postural Stress Test (55% of control). In a recently completed study we measured strength as balance (EquiTest balance platform) of community-dwelling subjects. The data from both nursing home and community-dwelling subjects indicate a strong relationship of lower extremity strength to balance and gait. Protocollo di raccolta dati in caso di caduta data, ora e luogo della caduta modalità: cosa stava facendo, in che direzione è caduto, dove ha urtato eventuali rischi ambientali parametri vitali segni di lesione sintomatologia soggettiva, prima e dopo la caduta caduta preceduta da capogiri sì no Correlata alla postura: nell’alzarsi: ipotensione posturale, manovra di Valsalva in corso di attività fisica: insufficiente gettata sistolica nel muovere il collo: insuff. vertebro-basilare, ipersensibilità seno carotideo Non correlata alla postura: associata con sordità e tinnito: sindrome di Meniere, patologie orecchio int. associata con deficit neurologici a focolaio: TIA preceduta da palpitazioni sì no aritmia si è inciampato no sì fattori ambientali Inadeguata percezione dell’ambiente: deficit visivo neuropatie periferiche artropatie perdita dell’equilibrio miopatie epilessia aumentata instabilità drop attack m. Di Parkinson degenerazione cerebellare aprassia TIA abuso di alcool, sedazione cause psicogene Questionario Infermiere per valutare il rischio di caduta in RSA all’ingresso. A) Paziente a letto Altezza del letto è adeguata per il paziente? Riesce il pz ad utilizzare il campanello di chiamata? Ha imparato dove sono gli interruttori della luce? Il comodino è facilmente raggiungibile? E’ confuso? Vanno applicate le spondine a letto? Spondine sono sufficientemente alte? Questionario Infermiere per valutare il rischio di caduta in RSA all’ingresso. B) Paziente in movimento Può alzarsi e camminare da solo o necessita di aiuto? Deve essere accompagnato ai servizi igienici? Nel caso non è permesso, per il grave rischio di cadute, di alzarsi da solo il pz tende ad alzarsi autonomamente? Questionario Infermiere per valutare il rischio di caduta in RSA all’ingresso. B) Paziente in movimento Usa correttamente il bastone o il tripode? Ci vede bene da lontano? Calzature e vestiario sono idonei? E’ necessario l’intervento del callista? Catetere vescicale e sacchetto ostacolano il cammino? Questionario Infermiere per valutare il rischio di caduta in RSA all’ingresso. C) Monitoraggio Infermieristico Dopo assunzione psicofarmaci ha variazione di coscienza o sicurezza nel cammino? E’ monitorato sufficientemente nelle ore successive all’assunzione di diuretici? In caso di ipotensione ortostatica il pz ha capito la necessità di assumere la posizione eretta gradualmente? In caso di nicturia è sufficiente il monitoraggio notturno? Scala di valutazione del rischio di caduta di Conley 1) E’ caduto nel corso degli ultimi 3 mesi? (Si=2, No=0) 2) Ha mai avuto vertigini o capogiri negli ultimi 3 mesi? (Si=1, No=0) 3) Le è mai capitato di perdere urine o feci mentre si recava al bagno negli ultimi 3 mesi? (Si=1, No=0) 4) Compromissione della marcia, passo strisciante, ampia base d’appoggio, marcia instabile. (Si=1, No=0) 5) Irrequietezza, eccessiva attività motoria. (Si=2, No=0) 6) Decadimento cognitivo e assenza di giudizio del pericolo. (Si=3, No=0) Valutazione punteggio: l’anziano è considerato a rischio per punteggio uguale o superiore a 2. Scopo degli interventi ridurre al minimo il rischio e le conseguenze delle cadute, non limitare la capacità e la volontà di movimento, nonché l’indipendenza funzionale del paziente. Anamnesi accurata Forza, andatura ed equilibrio Eliminare ostacoli domestici FKT entro 3-6 mesi Consiglia re ausili, educare all’uso Stop BDZ Visita oculistica PA, FC, ECG Valutazione stato cognitivo ultimi 3-6 mesi ACOVE-3 (JAGS Oct 2007) Rethinking individual and community fall prevention strategies: a meta-regression comparing single and multifactorial interventions Campbell AJ, Robertson MC. Age and Ageing 2007;36:656–662 The meta-analyses demonstrate that the delivery of single factor interventions to selected populations is as effective in reducing falls as delivering multifactorial interventions to at risk community populations (mean reduced falls = 24%). Single interventions need to be carefully directed to the appropriate population. Such interventions are highly successful when used in populations where the risk factor addressed accounts for a large proportion of the falls risk. Such a specific intervention is ineffective if it does not alter the risk factor, or the risk factor accounts for a small proportion of the risk. Fall prevention - single intervention strategy Risk Reduction Strength and balance training (not only individually tailored training but also more untargeted group exercise programmes) Vitamin D and calcium 15-50% 20-50% (unresolved) Reduction of psychotropic medication 66% Expedited cataract surgery 34% Cardiac pacing 58% Home hazard assessment and modification 30% - multiple intervention strategy (strength, balance, gait training, aidscanes, footwear, medical problems and medication review, optometrist, hip protectors, staff education, post-fall assessment, environmental assessment) Risk Reduction: 30% in hospital, no effects in NH, 20-45% in community (Lancet 2005) Prevenzione delle cadute: componenti degli interventi multifattoriali Revisione della terapia farmacologica Correzione di eventuali condizioni patologiche Adeguamento dell’ambiente Esercizio fisico Fornitura di servizi Educazione del paziente Educazione dei caregiver Fornitura di servizi EZIOLOGIA MULTIFATTORIALE DELLE CADUTE LA CURA DEL PIEDE Un piede in buono stato di salute permette una migliore qualità della deambulazione; assicurarsi dello stato di salute della cute e delle unghie del piede, verificare la sensibilità della cute; evitare che l’anziano indossi calze che possano ostacolare la circolazione o che possiedano cuciture tali da favorire lesioni da pressione; L’igiene del piede va curata. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2003 Jul;20(3):383-94. Nursing and long-term care concerns of foot care in the elderly. Warner I. The elderly are particularly susceptible to foot problems caused by underlying disease states, foot deformities, and alteration in the normal perfusion to the lower leg and foot. As a consequence, mobility may be compromised and quality of life threatened. Nurses, regardless of the setting in which they practice, are able to provide assessment, treatment, and education to geriatric patients to promote the care of the foot. Servizio di Podologia Cambiamenti del piede correlati all’età Aumento dello strato corneo Progressiva disidratzione e riduzione dell’elasticità della cute Ipercheratosi cutanea Malattie ossee, neurologiche, metaboliche, vascolari, cardiache. Causano: Callosità e Duroni Vescicole e bolle Appiattimento arco plantare deformazioni artrosiche metatarso-falangeee (alluce valgo, dito a martello, speroni calcaneali, ecc) Neuropatie, Dolore, Edema Fragilità delle unghie (unghia incarnita, onicomicosi) piodermite e ulcere Il servizio di podologia risulta fondamentale nella gestione dei problemi dell’anziano. Revisione della terapia farmacologica EZIOLOGIA MULTIFATTORIALE DELLE CADUTE Am J Epidemiol. 1995 Jul 15;142(2):202-11. Psychotropic drugs and risk of recurrent falls in ambulatory nursing home residents. Thapa PB, Gideon P, Fought RL, Ray WA. Department of Preventive Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA. Although psychotropic drug use has been associated with increased risk of falls in long-term care settings; this association may be confounded by the high prevalence of dementia and depression and other fall risk factors. This question was addressed in a prospective cohort study of recurrent falls among 282 ambulatory residents of 12 Tennessee nursing homes during 1991-1992. Eligible subjects were > or = 65 years of age, ambulatory, able to provide study data, and expected to remain in the nursing home for > or = 3 months.. Falls were ascertained from facility incident reports and nursing home charts. During follow-up, 111 residents had > or = 2 falls, an incidence rate of 54.9 recurrent falls per 100 person-years. With the use of Cox proportional hazards modeling, the authors found incidence density ratios (95% confidence intervals (Cl)) showing that the following risk factors were independently associated with recurrent falls: age > or = 75 years (1.66 (1.01-2.72)); > or = 4 assisted activities of daily living (1.94 (1.09-3.47)); middle (2.08 (1.203.61)) and upper (2.54 (1.44-4.49)) tertiles of balance impairment; fall in the 90 days preceding assessment (2.01 (1.32-3.06)); and upper tertile of behavior problems (1.65 (1.03-2.64)). The rate of recurrent falls increased tenfold as the number of these risk factors increased from 0 to 5 (21.4 to 231.5 per 100 personyears, p < 0.0002). After controlling for symptoms of dementia and depression and other fall risk factors, the incidence density ratio for recurrent falls in baseline regular psychotropic drug users (n = 178) compared with nonusers (n = 104) was 1.97 (95% Cl 1.28-3.05). Within groups defined by number of other independent fall risk factors present, regular psychotropic users had a recurrent fall rate that was greater than that for nonusers: 44.1 versus 22.9 per 100 person-years (p = 0.03) in the low risk (< or = 2 factors) group and 98.7 versus 64.3 (p = 0.08) in the high risk (> 2 factors) group. The attributable risk of recurrent falls for regular psychotropic drug users was 36%, which suggests optimal management of psychopharmacotherapy is an essential component of fall prevention programs for ambulatory nursing home residents. EZIOLOGIA MULTIFATTORIALE DELLE CADUTE Int Psychogeriatr. 2008 Oct;20(5):890-910. Epub 2008 Apr 17. The influence of drug use on fall incidents among nursing home residents: a systematic review. Sterke CS, Verhagen AP, van Beeck EF, van der Cammen TJ. BACKGROUND: Falls are a major health problem among the elderly, particularly in nursing homes. Abnormalities of balance and gait, psychoactive drug use, and dementia have been shown to contribute to fall risk. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the literature to investigate which psychoactive drugs increase fall risk and what is known about the influence of these drugs on gait in nursing home residents with dementia. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included in the review. We assessed the strength of evidence for psychoactive drugs as a prognostic factor for falls by defining four levels of evidence: strong, moderate, limited or inconclusive. Strong evidence was defined as consistent findings (> or =80%) in at least two high quality cohorts. We found strong evidence that the use of multiple drugs (3/3 cohorts, effect sizes 1.301 xs 0.30), antidepressants (10/12 cohorts, effect sizes 1.10-7.60), and anti-anxiety drugs (2/2 cohorts, effect sizes 1.22-1.32) is associated with increased fall risk. The evidence for the association of other psychoactive drug classes with fall risk was limited or inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS: Research on the contribution of psychoactive drugs to fall risk in nursing home residents with dementia is limited. The scarce evidence shows, however, that multiple drugs, antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs increase fall risk in nursing home populations with residents with dementia. EZIOLOGIA MULTIFATTORIALE DELLE CADUTE BMC Health Serv Res. 2009 Dec 11;9:228. Fall-related injuries in a nursing home setting: is polypharmacy a risk factor? Baranzini F, Diurni M, Ceccon F, Poloni N, Cazzamalli S, Costantini C, Colli C, Greco L, Callegari C. BACKGROUND: Polypharmacy is regarded as an important risk factor for fallingand several studies and meta-analyses have shown an increased fall risk in users of diuretics, type 1a antiarrhythmics, digoxin and psychotropic agents. In particular, recent evidence has shown that fall risk is associated with the use of polypharmacy regimens that include at least one established fall risk-increasing drug, rather than with polypharmacy per se. We studied the role of polypharmacy and the role of well-known fall risk-increasing drugs on the incidence of injurious falls. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was carried out in a population of elderly nursing home residents. An unmatched, post-stratification design for age class, gender and length of stay was adopted. In all, 695 falls were recorded in 293 residents. RESULTS: 221 residents (75.4%) were female and 72 (24.6%) male, and 133 (45.4%) were recurrent fallers. 152 residents sustained no injuries when they fell, whereas injuries were sustained by 141: minor in 95 (67.4%) and major in 46 (32.6%). Only fall dynamics (p = 0.013) and drugs interaction between antiarrhythmic or antiparkinson class and polypharmacy regimen (> or =7 medications) seem to represent a risk association for injuries (p = 0.024; OR = 4.4; CI 95% 1.21 - 15.36). This work reinforces the importance of routine medication reviews, especially in residents exposed to polypharmacy regimens that include antiarrhythmics or antiparkinson drugs, in order to reduce the risk of fall-related injuries during nursing home stays. CONCLUSION: EZIOLOGIA MULTIFATTORIALE DELLE CADUTE Drugs Aging. 2006;23(4):271-87. Use of sleep-promoting medications in nursing home residents : risks versus benefits. Conn DK, Madan R. This paper reviews the use of sleep-promoting medications in nursing home residents with reference to risks versus benefits. Up to two-thirds of elderly people living in institutions experience sleep disturbance. The aetiology of sleep disturbance includes poor sleep hygiene, medical and psychiatric disorders, sleep apnoea, periodic limb movements and restless leg One key factor in the development of sleep disturbance in the nursing home is the environment, particularly with respect to high levels of night-time noise and light, low levels of daytime light, and care routines that do not promote sleep. Clinical assessment should include a comprehensive syndrome. medical, psychiatric and sleep history including a review of prescribed medications. Nonpharmacological interventions for insomnia are underutilised in many clinical settings despite evidence that they are often highly effective. International studies suggest that 50-80% of nursing home residents have at least one prescription for psychotropic medication. Utilisation rates vary dramatically from country to country and from institution to institution. The most commonly prescribed medications for sleep are benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics (Z-drugs). The vast majority of studies of these medications are short-term, i.e. < or =2 weeks, although some longer extension trials have recently been carried out. Clinicians are advised to avoid long-acting benzodiazepines and to use hypnotics for as brief a period as possible, in most cases not exceeding 2-3 Patients receiving benzodiazepines are at increased risk of daytime sedation, falls, and cognitive and psychomotor impairment. weeks of treatment. Zaleplon, zolpidem, zopiclone and eszopiclone may have some advantages over the benzodiazepines, particularly with respect to the development of tolerance and dependence. Ramelteon, a novel agent with high selectivity for melatonin receptors, has recently been approved in the US. Use of the antidepressant trazodone for sleep in nondepressed patients is somewhat controversial. Atypical antipsychotics should not be used to treat insomnia unless there is also evidence of severe behavioural symptoms or psychosis. EZIOLOGIA MULTIFATTORIALE DELLE CADUTE Drugs Aging. 2009;26(5):381-94. doi: 10.2165/00002512-200926050-00002. Antidepressants and falls in the elderly. Darowski A, Chambers SA, Chambers DJ. John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK. adam.darowski@ndm.ox.ac.uk Antidepressants have long been recognized as a contributory factor to falls and many studies show an association between antidepressants and falls. There are extensive data for tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and related drugs, and for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), but few data for other classes of antidepressants. Sedation, insomnia and impaired sleep, nocturia, impaired postural reflexes and increased reaction times, orthostatic hypotension, cardiac rhythm and conduction disorders, and movement disorders have all been postulated as contributing factors to falls in patients taking antidepressants. Sleep disturbance is a cardinal feature of depression, and all antidepressants have effects on sleep. TCAs and related drugs cause marked sedation with daytime drowsiness. SSRIs and related drugs have an alerting effect, impairing sleep duration and quality and causing insomnia, which may result in nocturia and daytime drowsiness. Daytime drowsiness is a significant risk factor for falls, both in untreated depression and in depression treated with antidepressants. Clinically significant orthostatic hypotension is common with TCAs and related drugs, the older monoamine oxidase inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It occurs less commonly with SSRIs, and rarely with moclobemide and bupropion, and is not reported as a significant adverse effect of hypericum (St John's wort). Cardiac rhythm and conduction disturbances are well recognized with TCAs, tetracyclics and SNRIs, but have also been reported with SSRIs. The contribution of antidepressant-induced conduction and rhythm disturbances to falls cannot be assessed with current data. There are insufficient data to exonerate any individual antidepressant or class of antidepressants as a potential cause of falls. The magnitude of the increased risk of falling with an antidepressant is about the same as the excess risk found in patients with untreated depression. Adeguamento dell’ambiente MODIFICAZIONI DELL’AMBIENTE Alcune semplici misure e modificazioni nelle abitudini di vita quotidiana possono evitare o ridurre il rischio di cadute. Adeguare l’ambiente alla persona anziana non significa apportare modifiche tali da peggiorare l’estetica di un appartamento: è possibile infatti, senza privare l’anziano dei propri ricordi, migliorare la funzionalità dell’ambiente in cui vive, e renderlo più sicuro. MODIFICAZIONI DELL’AMBIENTE • Garantire una buona illuminazione degli ambienti e sistemare gli interruttori della luce in posizioni sicure • Evitare tappeti, sgabelli, sedie instabili e/o troppo basse • Evitare prodotti pericolosi (tipo cera) per la pulizia dei pavimenti • Ridurre l’uso dei gradini e far installare dei corrimani lungo i muri ben visibili e di facile presa • Proteggere l’accesso ai locali con superfici bagnate • Installare nei bagni i maniglioni che facilitino i movimenti e controllare la stabilità dei rialza-water MODIFICAZIONI DELL’AMBIENTE • • • • Utilizzare superfici antiscivolo Liberare le zone di passaggio Utilizzare sedie rigide con braccioli Verificare che gli ausili per la deambulazione, dove necessari, siano in buone condizioni (parte gommata di appoggio dei bastoni, stabilità delle ruote dei deambulatori) EZIOLOGIA MULTIFATTORIALE DELLE CADUTE Age Ageing. 2004 May;33(3):242-6. Does the type of flooring affect the risk of hip fracture? Simpson AH, Lamb S, Roberts PJ, Gardner TN, Evans JG. Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, University of Edinburgh, UK. Harnish.Simpson@ed.ac.uk BACKGROUND: The number of hip fractures occurring worldwide in 1990 was estimated at 1.7 million and is predicted to rise to 6.3 million by 2050. The vast majority occur as a result of simple falls and the impact of the femoral trochanter with the floor. Previous studies have addressed the problem from the patient's side of the impact. Little research has been carried out on the other surface involved in the impact, the floor. STUDY LOCATION: 34 residential care homes. METHODS: (1) The mechanical properties of the floor were measured with force transducers. (2) The number and location of falls and fractures on the various floors were recorded prospectively for 2 years. The threshold for reporting falls in different care homes was assessed using a standardised set of scenarios. Wooden carpeted floors were associated with the lowest number of fractures per 100 falls. The risk of fracture resulting from a fall was significantly lower RESULTS: A total of 6,641 falls and 222 fractures were recorded. compared to all other floor types (odds ratio 1.78, 95% CI 1.33-2.35). The mean impact force was significantly lower on wooden carpeted floors: 11.9 kN compared to the other floor types. DISCUSSION: The possible implications of our findings are considerable. Residents of homes are typically frail and many have a propensity to falls. In designing safer environments for older people, the type of floor should be chosen to minimise the risk of fracture. This may result in a major reduction in fractures in the elderly. Correzione di eventuali condizioni patologiche Conseguenze delle cadute paura di cadere e ansia post-caduta riduzione dell’attività motoria riduzione dei livelli di autonomia Fear of falling and the post-fall anxiety syndrome result in loss of selfconfidence and selfimposed functional limitations in both home-living and institutionalized elderly persons who have fallen Rubenstein et al, ACOVE, 2001 Falls and Fear of Falling: Which Comes First? A Longitudinal Prediction Model Suggests Strategies for Primary and Secondary Prevention Susan M. Friedman , MD, MPH,* Beatriz Munoz , MS, † Sheila K. West , PhD, † Gary S. Rubin , PhD, ‡ and Linda P. Fried , MD, MPH § J Am Geriatr Soc 2002;50:1329-1335 RESULTS:Falls at baseline were an independent predictor of developing fear of falling 20 months later (odds ratio (OR) = 1.75; P < .0005), and fear of falling at baseline was a predictor of falling at 20 months (OR = 1.79; P < .0005). INTERVENTI DI PREVENZIONE Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Jan 20;(1):CD005465. Interventions for preventing falls in older people in nursing care facilities and hospitals. Cameron ID, Murray GR, Gillespie LD, Robertson MC, Hill KD, Cumming RG, Kerse BACKGROUND: Falls in nursing care facilities and hospitals are common events that cause considerable morbidity and mortality for older people. MAIN RESULTS: We included 41 trials (25,422 participants).In nursing care facilities, the results from seven trials testing supervised exercise interventions were inconsistent. A post hoc subgroup analysis, however, indicated that where provided by a multidisciplinary team, multifactorial interventions reduced the rate of falls (RaR 0.60, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.72; 4 trials, 1651 participants) and risk of falling (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.95; 5 trials, 1925 participants). Vitamin D supplementation reduced the rate of falls (RaR 0.72, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.95; 4 trials, 4512 participants), but not risk of falling (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.09; 5 trials, 5095 participants). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence that multifactorial interventions reduce falls and risk of falling in hospitals and may do so in nursing care facilities. Vitamin D supplementation is effective in reducing the rate of falls in nursing care facilities. Exercise in subacute hospital settings appears effective but its effectiveness in nursing care facilities remains uncertain. INTERVENTI DI PREVENZIONE Am J Med. 2006 Apr;119(4 Suppl 1):S3-S11. Preventing osteoporosis-related fractures: an overview. Gass M, Dawson-Hughes B. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0526, USA. margery.gass@UC.edu Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength, which predisposes a person to increased risk of fracture. The report recommends a pyramidal approach to osteoporosis treatment that includes calcium and vitamin D supplementation, physical activity, and fall prevention as the first line in fracture prevention. The second level consists of treating secondary causes of osteoporosis; the third and top level consists of pharmacotherapy. Pharmacotherapeutic interventions (e.g., bisphosphonates, selective estrogen receptor modulators, calcitonin, and teriparatide) in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis provide substantial reduction in fracture risk over and above risk reduction with calcium and vitamin D supplementation alone. Despite the effectiveness of therapy, most patients who receive treatment do not remain on treatment for >1 year. An important approach to reducing the rate of fractures is first to target our treatments to patients at high risk for fracture and then to develop strategies to improve treatment continuation rates. INTERVENTI DI PREVENZIONE JAMA. 2004 Apr 28;291(16):1999-2006. Effect of Vitamin D on falls: a meta-analysis. Bischoff-Ferrari HA, Dawson-Hughes B, Willett WC, Staehelin HB, Bazemore MG, Zee RY, Wong JB. CONTEXT: Falls among elderly individuals occur frequently, increase with age, and lead to substantial morbidity and mortality. The role of vitamin D in preventing falls among elderly people has not been well established. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of vitamin D in preventing an older person from falling. DATA SYNTHESIS: Based on 5 RCTs involving 1237 participants, vitamin D reduced the corrected odds ratio (OR) of falling by 22% (corrected OR, 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64-0.92) compared with patients receiving calcium or placebo. From the pooled risk difference, the number needed to treat (NNT) was 15 (95% CI, 8-53), or equivalently 15 patients would need to be treated with vitamin D to prevent 1 person from falling. The inclusion of 5 additional studies, involving 10 001 participants, in a sensitivity analysis resulted in a smaller but still significant effect size (corrected RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.80-0.96). Subgroup analyses suggested that the effect size was independent of calcium supplementation, type of vitamin D, duration of therapy, and sex, but reduced sample sizes made the results statistically nonsignificant for calcium supplementation, cholecalciferol, and among men. Vitamin D supplementation appears to reduce the risk of falls among ambulatory or institutionalized older individuals with stable health by more than 20%. CONCLUSIONS: INTERVENTI DI PREVENZIONE Age Ageing. 2010 Mar;39(2):239-45. Epub 2010 Jan 11. The association between various visual function tests and low fragility hip fractures among the elderly: a Malaysian experience. Chew FL, Yong CK, Mas Ayu S, Tajunisah I. BACKGROUND: hip fractures are an increasing source of morbidity and mortality in older people. The role of visual function tests such as visual impairment, stereopsis, contrast sensitivity and visual field defects in low fragility hip fractures in Asian populations is not well understood. METHODS: both cases and controls underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination, which included visual acuity, stereopsis, contrast sensitivity and visual field testing. RESULTS: poorer visual acuity (odds ratio, OR = 4.08; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.44, 11.51), stereopsis (OR = 3.60, 95% CI: 1.55, 8.38), contrast sensitivity (OR = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.48, 7.57) and visual field defects (OR = 11.60, 95% CI: 5.21, 25.81) increased the risk of fracture. Increased falls were associated with poorer visual acuity (OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.04, 5.13), stereopsis (OR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.03, 4.32), contrast sensitivity (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.05, 4.30) and visual field defects (OR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.69, 6.86). CONCLUSION: impaired visual acuity, stereopsis, contrast sensitivity and visual field defects are associated with an increased risk of low fragility hip fractures. We recommend that all patients aged > or = 55 should have an annual ophthalmological examination that includes visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, stereopsis and visual field testing to assess the risks for falls and low fragility fractures. INTERVENTI DI PREVENZIONE Age Ageing. 2006 Sep;35 Suppl 2:ii42-ii45. Visual risk factors for falls in older people. Lord SR. Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. s.lord@unsw.edu.au Poor vision reduces postural stability and significantly increases the risk of falls and fractures in older people. Most studies have found that poor visual acuity increases the risk of falls. However, studies that have included multiple visual measures have found that reduced contrast sensitivity and depth perception are the most important visual risk factors for falls. Multifocal glasses may add to this risk because their nearvision lenses impair distance contrast sensitivity and depth perception in the lower visual field. This reduces There is now evidence that maximising vision through cataract surgery is an effective strategy for preventing falls. Further randomised controlled trials the ability of an older person to detect environmental hazards. are required to determine whether individual strategies (such as restriction of use of multifocal glasses) or multi-strategy visual improvement interventions can significantly reduce falls in older people. Public health the importance of regular eye examinations and use of appropriate prescription glasses. initiatives are required to raise awareness in older people and their carers of INTERVENTI DI PREVENZIONE J Am Geriatr Soc. 2002 Nov;50(11):1760-6. Multifocal glasses impair edge-contrast sensitivity and depth perception and increase the risk of falls in older people. Lord SR, Dayhew J, Howland A. OBJECTIVES: To determine the extent to which multifocal glasses impair contrast sensitivity and depth perception at critical distances required for detecting hazards in the environment and whether multifocal glasses use increases the risk of falls in older people. MEASUREMENTS: Contrast sensitivity, depth perception, accidental falls. RESULTS: Eighty-seven subjects (55.8%) were regular wearers of multifocal (bifocal, trifocal, or progressive lens) glasses. These subjects performed significantly worse in the distant depth perception and distant edge-contrast sensitivity tests in conditions that forced them to view test stimuli through the lower segments of their glasses. Multifocal glasses wearers were more than twice as likely to fall in the follow-up period than nonmultifocal glasses wearers (odds ratio (OR) = 2.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.064.92), when adjusting for age, poor vision, reduced lower limb sensation and strength, slow reaction time, and increased postural sway. Multifocal glasses wearers were also more likely to fall because of a trip (OR = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.08-7.22), when outside their homes (OR = 2.55, 95% CI = 1.14-5.70), and when walking up or down stairs (P <.01). The population attributable risks of regular multifocal glasses use were 35.2% for any falls, 40.9% for falls due to a trip, and 40.9% for falls outside the home. The study findings indicate that multifocal glasses impair depth perception and edge-contrast sensitivity at critical distances for detecting obstacles in the environment. Older people may benefit from wearing nonmultifocal glasses when negotiating stairs and in unfamiliar settings outside the home. CONCLUSIONS: Acta Otolaryngol Suppl. 1988;449:165-9. Postural hypotension--cochleo-vestibular hypoxia--deafness. Hansen S. The postural hypotension syndrome i.e. a sudden fall in blood pressure as a result of sudden rising, leading to severe vertigo and fainting has been known for a very long time, but the diagnostic criteria for hypotension has changed recently. Medical textbooks claim that unless systolic B.P. falls more than 20 mm upon rising it is not hypotension. A recent British investigation employing radio-active isotope tomography has shown that an orthostatic fall in B.P. of 10 mm in elderly persons may cause a 60% decrease in cerebral blood-flow lasting several minutes (2). It has been estimated that at least 30% of the patients in nursing-homes suffer from vertigo. Last year 6000 elderly persons in Denmark were treated for fracture of the femoral neck. This study points out that concurrent with vertigo and fainting the cochlea does suffer from decreased blood supply, and hearing subsequently deteriorates. The reason why this has not been recognized until now is that while vertigo comes and disappears within minutes and is distinctly felt by the patient, the hearing loss develops nearly as slowly as does hearing loss caused by moderate noise exposure over many years. Axelsson et al. in a recent study point out that at least TTS is influenced by cochlear blood flow (4). J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2006 Feb;61(2):165-9. Long-term effects of analgesics in a population of elderly nursing home residents with persistent nonmalignant pain. Won A, Lapane KL, Vallow S, Schein J, Morris JN, Lipsitz LA. BACKGROUND: Little is known about the long-term effects of analgesics on functional status and well-being of nursing home residents with chronic pain. RESULTS: There was no change in the analgesic class for at least 6 months for 35.4% of residents, including 40% who received no analgesics during this time. Use of nonopioids was 37.9%, short-acting opioids was 18.9%, and long-acting opioids was 3.3%. We found improvement in functional status (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-3.23) and social engagement (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.58; 95%, CI, 0.99-2.50) with long-acting opioids compared with short-acting opioids. There were no changes in cognitive status or mood status, or increased risk of depression with use of any analgesics, including opioids. There was a trend toward a lower risk of falls with use of any analgesics (adjusted odds ratio = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.70-1.06). Rates of other adverse events (i.e., constipation, delirium, dehydration, pneumonia) were not found to be higher among chronic opioid users compared to those taking no analgesics or nonopioids. CONCLUSIONS: The use of long-acting opioids may be a relatively safe option in the management of persistent nonmalignant pain in the nursing home population, yielding benefits in functional status and social engagement Br J Nutr. 2009 May;101(9):1300-5. BMI: a simple, rapid and clinically meaningful index of under-nutrition in the oldest old? Miller MD, Thomas JM, Cameron ID, Chen JS, Sambrook PN, March LM, Cumming RG, Lord SR. Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia. BMI is commonly used as a sole indicator for the assessment of nutritional status. While it is a good predictor of morbidity and mortality among young and middle-aged adults, its predictive ability among the oldest old remains unclear. The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between BMI and risk of falls, fractures and allcause mortality among older Australians in residential aged care facilities. Cox proportional hazards regression models were calculated to determine the relationship between baseline BMI and time to fall, fracture or death, within 2 years following the baseline measures taken to be the censoring date. After adjustments were made for age, sex and level of care, low BMI increased the risk of fracture by 38% (hazard ratio = 1.38, 95% CI 1.11, 1.73). In conclusion, BMI has predictive ability in the area of fracture and all-cause mortality for residents of aged care facilities. It is a simple and rapid indicator of nutritional status rendering it a useful nutrition screen and goal for nutrition intervention The relationship between specific cognitive functions and falls in the aging Holtzer R, et al. Neuropsychology 2007 Sep ;21 (5):540-8. The current study examined the relationship between cognitive function and falls in older people who did not meet criteria for dementia or mild cognitive impairment (N = 172). To address limitations of previous research, the authors controlled for the confounding effects of gait measures and other risk factors by means of associations between cognitive function and falls. A neuropsychological test battery was submitted to factor analysis, yielding 3 orthogonal factors (Verbal IQ, Speed/Executive Attention, Memory). Single and recurrent falls within the last 12 months were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regressions showed that lower scores on Speed/Executive Attention were associated with increased risk of single and recurrent falls. Lower scores on Verbal IQ were related only to increased risk of recurrent falls. Memory was not associated with either single or recurrent falls. These findings are relevant to risk assessment and prevention of falls and point to possible shared neural substrates of cognitive and motor function. Psychol Neuropsychiatr Vieil. 2005 Dec;3(4):271-9. [Dementia and falls: two related syndromes in old age] Puisieux F, Pardessus V, Bombois S. Dementia and cognitive impairment are known as a major risk for falls and subsequent adverse events in the elderly. In addition to result in serious injury, including fractures, falls lead to functional decline due to fear of falling again and self limitation of activity in older adults. All types of dementia and all degrees of severity are involved. Rather than resulting from a single cause, falls are the result of a combination of intrinsic, situational, and environmental factors. The most common risk factors for falls in patients with cognitive impairment and dementia are gait and balance disturbances, behavioral disorders, visual problems, malnutrition, adverse effects of drugs, fear of falling, neurocardiovascular instability (particularly orthostatic hypotension), and environmental hazards. Based on data from studies in cognitively normal people who fall, a multifaceted intervention, including a physical exercise programme and modification of the risk factors may prevent falls in older people with cognitive impairment and dementia. Preliminary research suggests that physiotherapy may have a role for falls prevention in these patients. However, randomized studies need to be performed. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2005 Jun;13(6):501-9. Factors associated with falls among older, cognitively impaired people in geriatric care settings: a population-based study. Kallin K, Gustafson Y, Sandman PO, Karlsson S. OBJECTIVE: The authors studied factors associated with falls among cognitively impaired older people in geriatric care settings. Method: This was a study using all geriatric care settings in a county in northern Sweden. Residents were assessed by means of the Multi-Dimensional Dementia Assessment Scale, supplemented with questions concerning the use of physical restraints, pain, previous falls during the stay, and falls and injuries during the preceding week. Data about both falls and cognition were collected in 3,323 residents age 65 and older. Of these residents 2,008 (60.4%) were cognitively impaired, and they became the study population. Of the participants, 69% were women; mean age: 83.5 years. RESULTS: Of 2,008 cognitively impaired residents, 189 (9.4%) had fallen at least once during the preceding week. Being able to get up from a chair, previous falls, needing a helper when walking, and hyperactive symptoms were the factors most strongly associated with falls. CONCLUSION: Preventing falls in cognitively impaired older people is particularly difficult. An intervention strategy would probably have to include treatment of psychiatric and behavioral symptoms, improvement of gait and balance, and adjustment of drug treatment, as well as careful staff supervision. Educazione dei caregiver La Formazione Al personale per aumentare la consapevolezza del rischio dei pazienti e le strategie di prevenzione,(Grado D) (Meyer G, Warnke A, Bender R, Mùhlhauser I, BMJ 2003) MATERIALI E METODI: 459 residenti di nursing home come caso 483 residenti nel gruppo controllo OBIETTIVO: Ridurre l’incidenza di fratture di femore attraverso un programma strutturato di formazione del personale RISULTATO 21 fratture nel gruppo caso 42 fratture nel gruppo controllo CONCLUSIONI: l’introduzione di un programma di educazione del personale e l’approvvigionamento di protettori d’anca riduce il numero delle fratture di femore. Educazione del paziente AUSILI PER PROTEGGERE IL FEMORE Trial clinico randomizzato che ha coinvolto 1801 anziani fragili finlandesi - pazienti fragili in casa di riposo o a domicilio - età media 81 anni 78% donne - 63% assistite nella deambulazione (Kammus 2003) AUSILI PER PROTEGGERE IL FEMORE Inj Prev. 2008 Oct;14(5):306-10. Risk of hip fractures in soft protected, hard protected, and unprotected falls. Bentzen H, Bergland A, Forsén L. OBJECTIVE: To compare hip fracture risk in soft and hard protected falls with the risk in unprotected falls and to compare the incidence of hip fractures in nursing homes providing soft and hard hip protectors. METHODS: An observational study conducted within the framework of a cluster randomized trial in 18 nursing homes. Nursing homes were randomized to offer either soft or hard hip protectors. Individual participants were followed for falls for 18 months. RESULTS: Of 1236 participating residents, 607 suffered 2926 falls; 590 of the 2926 falls were categorized as soft protected, 852 as hard protected, and 1388 as unprotected falls. Sixty-six verified hip fractures occurred: eight in soft protected falls, 11 in hard protected falls, and 45 in unprotected falls. The hip fracture risk in soft and hard protected falls was almost 60% lower than in unprotected falls (OR (soft) 0.36, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.77; OR (hard) 0.41, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.89). The incidence of hip fracture was 4.6 and 6.2 per 100 person-years in nursing homes providing soft and hard hip protectors, respectively (p = 0.212). CONCLUSION: Both types of hip protector have the potential, when worn correctly, to reduce the risk of a hip fracture in falls by nearly 60%. Both can be recommended to nursinghome residents as a means of preventing hip fractures. AUSILI PER PROTEGGERE IL FEMORE Br J Nurs. 2004 Nov 25-Dec 8;13(21):1242-8. Preventing hip fracture in care homes 1: views of residents and staff. Doherty D, Glover J, Davies S, Johnson T. Hip protectors have been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of hip fracture among older people living in care homes (Parker et al, 2004). However, there are problems with compliance. This article reports findings from a survey of 138 staff from 23 care homes about experiences and perceptions of using hip protectors. The survey was complemented by qualitative case studies involving staff, to be linked to compliance with wearing hip protectors including comfort, acceptability to the resident and appearance. Few practical difficulties in using hip protectors were identified. Staff and residents' perceptions and experiences of using hip protectors vary and are likely to influence compliance. AUSILI PER PROTEGGERE IL FEMORE il 2,1% vs. 4.6% all’anno di fratture con l’uso di protettore d’anca Devono essere applicati per un anno a 40 pazienti per prevenire 1 frattura di femore 2.4% di cadute determina fratture di femore quando non vengono usati ausili 0.4% di cadute dermina frattura di femore quando vengono usati ausili il livello di accettazione da parte dei pazienti è basso (Kammus 2003) Esercizio fisico INTERVENTI DI PREVENZIONE Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Oct 17;(4):CD004963. Exercise for improving balance in older people. Howe TE, Rochester L, Jackson A, Banks PM, Blair VA. BACKGROUND: Diminished ability to maintain balance may be associated with an increased risk of falling. In older adults, falls commonly lead to injury, loss of independence, associated illness and early death. Although some exercise interventions with balance and muscle strengthening components have been shown to reduce falls it is not known which elements, or combination of elements, of exercise interventions are most effective for improving balance in older people. OBJECTIVES: To present the best evidence for effectiveness of exercise interventions designed to improve balance in older people living in the community or in institutional care. MAIN RESULTS: For the 34 included studies there were 2883 participants at entry. Statistically significant improvements in balance ability were observed for exercise interventions compared to usual activity. Interventions involving gait; balance; co-ordination and functional exercises; muscle strengthening; and multiple exercise types appear to have the greatest impact on indirect measures of balance. There was trend towards an improvement in balance with cycling on a static cycle. However, there was limited evidence that effects were long-lasting. Exercise appears to have statistically significant beneficial effects on balance ability in the short term but the strength of evidence contained within these trials is limited. Many of these mainly small studies demonstrated a range of methodological AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: weaknesses. The failure across the included studies to apply a core set of standardised outcome measures to determine balance ability restricts the capacity to compare or pool different trials from which firm conclusions regarding efficacy can be made. Further standardisation in timing of outcome assessment is also required as is longer term follow-up of outcomes to determine any lasting effects. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2004 Oct;59(10):1062-7. Low-intensity exercise and reduction of the risk for falls among at-risk elders. Morgan RO, Virnig BA, Duque M, Abdel-Moty E, Devito CA. BACKGROUND: Among elderly persons, falls account for 87% of all fractures and are contributing factors in many nursing home admissions. This study evaluated the effect of an easily implemented, low-intensity exercise program on the incidence of falls and the time to first fall among a clinically defined population of elderly men and women. METHODS: This community-based, randomized trial compared the exercise intervention with a no-intervention control. The participants were 294 men and women, aged 60 years or older, who had either a hospital admission or bed rest for 2 days or more within the previous month. Exercise participants were scheduled to attend exercise sessions lasting 45 minutes, including warm-up and cool-down, 3 times a week for 8 weeks (24 sessions). Assessments included gait and balance measures, self-reported physical function, the number of medications being taking at baseline, participant age, sex, and history of falling. Falls were tracked for 1 year after each participant's baseline assessment. RESULTS: 29% of the study participants reported a fall during the study period. The effect of exercise in preventing falls varied significantly by baseline physical function level (p < or =.002). The risk for falls decreased for exercise participants with low baseline physical functioning (hazard ratio,.51) but increased for exercise participants with high baseline physical functioning (hazard ratio, 3.51). CONCLUSIONS: This easily implemented, low-intensity exercise program appears to reduce the risk for falls among elderly men and women recovering from recent hospitalizations, bed rest, or both who have low levels of physical functioning. Thai Chi and Falling Atlanta FICSIT Trial 200 community dwelling elders > 70 Interventions: 15 week of education, balance training or Thai Chi Outcome at 4 months: strength, flexibility, IADL Falls reduced by 47% in Tai Chi group (Wolf 1996) TAI CHI Alcuni ricercatori americani (Università del Minnesota) affermano che il Tai Chi può essere utilizzato: • Per aumentare l’equilibrio e la stabilità con conseguente riduzione delle cadute; • Per favorire le funzioni cardio-respiratorie; • Per la riabilitazione di pazienti affetti da esiti di infarto miocardico; • Per la riabilitazione dell’artrite reumatoide; • Per ridurre il dolore, l’insonnia e l’ansia. J. Holist Nurs 1999 INTERVENTI MULTIFATTORIALI J Gerontol Nurs. 2000 Mar;26(3):43-51. A fall prevention program for elderly individuals. Exercise in long-term care settings. Schoenfelder DP. University of Iowa College of Nursing, Iowa City 52242, USA. The purpose of this research was to explore the role of exercise in preventing falls, specifically assessing the effectiveness of an ankle strengthening and walking program to improve balance, ankle strength, walking speed, and falls efficacy and to decrease falls and subjects' fear of falling. Sixteen individuals participated in the study which was conducted at two nursing homes. Subjects were assigned randomly to an intervention or control group. The participants in the intervention group completed a 3-month supervised program of ankle strengthening exercises and walking. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample, and differences in the least square means were used to assess the outcome variables (i.e., balance, ankle strength, walking speed, falls, fear of falling, falls efficacy) before the exercise program, and again at 3 months and 6 months after the program for the intervention and control subjects. Findings for the intervention group from pretest to 3-month posttest were, for the most part, maintained or in the predicted direction, suggesting that regular exercise shows promise for preventing deterioration and improving fall-related outcomes for elderly nursing home residents. ESERCIZIO FISICO • • • • • • • • Le proposte operative volte a ridurre il rischio di cadute sono molteplici: corpo a terra equilibrio statico e dinamico esercizi di coordinazione rinforzo segmentario esercizi di propriocezione massoterapia esercizi di presa di coscienza training autogeno ESERCIZIO FISICO Equilibrio statico e dinamico • si può definire “equilibrio” la capacità di un individuo di mantenere una posizione stabile del corpo sia in condizioni di staticità che di movimento. Molto spesso gli anziani presentano una diminuzione dell’equilibrio anche quando non esiste compromissione degli organi vestibolari. EQUILIBRIO E CONTROLLO DELLA POSTURA • L’equilibrio è una precondizione indispensabile per una normale prestazione in tutte le attività della vita quotidiana. • Tutte le nostre prestazioni (ad esempio il camminare, lo scendere le scale) sono delle situazioni di squilibrio controllato: spostiamo la nostra massa al di fuori della base di supporto (centro di pressione) per alzarci da una sedia e camminare. • Il controllo posturale sia in condizioni statiche (la stazione eretta) sia in condizioni dinamiche (l’equilibrio) può essere definito come la capacità di mantenere il centro di massa corporea (normalmente localizzato in stazione eretta al davanti delle prime vertebre sacrali) nella base di supporto o nei limiti di stabilità. SWAY NORMALE •Nel soggetto normale la stazione eretta rilassata è caratterizzata da una piccola oscillazione continua: il body sway di Sheldon. La costante e piccola deviazione dalla verticalità, e la sua susseguente correzione, implica una continua risposta muscolare riflessa costante, soprattutto dei muscoli del polpaccio, ad un input sensoriale visivo, vestibolare e somatosensoriale. CONTROLLO POSTURALE Visione Campo visivo.Visione periferica. Acuità visiva. Percezione di profondità. Sensibilità di contrasto. Sensazione somatosensoriale Sensibilità propriocettiva, tattile, senso di posizione Vestibolare Orientamento del capo, accelerazione. Riferimento Outpout muscolare ROM, stifness Forza muscolare Potenza muscolare Integrazione cerebrale Tempo di reazione, scelta multipla POSTUROSTABILOMETRO RINFORZO SEGMENTARIO • L’esercizio fisico può minimizzare i cambiamenti fisiologici associati all’invecchiamento e contribuire al benessere fisico e psicologico. • Ci sono molte similitudini tra i cambiamenti determinati dal mancato esercizio e quelli tipici dell’invecchiamento. Nella maggior parte dei sistemi fisiologici tuttavia il normale processo di invecchiamento non si manifesta necessariamente con una disabilità in assenza di malattia. RINFORZO SEGMENTARIO • Le linee guida stese in seguito a tali studi hanno identificato specifiche modalità di esercizio appropriate per la popolazione anziana. In particolare sono state individuate 4 categorie di trattamento: • Esercizi aerobici • Esercizi di resistenza • Esercizi di equilibrio • Esercizi di allungamento muscolare RINFORZO SEGMENTARIO • Tali evidenze si sono dimostrate valide anche in caso di pazienti affetti da disturbi cognitivi od affettivi (demenza e depressione), che pertanto non rappresentano un fattore di esclusione dal trattamento. Suola Elettronica L’iShoe è: - un dispositivo elettronico di allarme istantaneo, - dispositivo di raccolta dati che possono essere analizzati per attivare procedure di correzione dei dati anomali, - un dispositivo elettronico in grado di produrre stimoli tattili nel momento che si verificano problemi di equilibrio per prevenire un’eventuale caduta. Terapia Occupazionale in Rsa • Si definisce Terapia Occupazionale la tecnica terapeutica che utilizza attività finalizzate e selezionate, individuali e di gruppo, al fine di promuovere nella persona con disabilità (fisica, psichica, sensoriale) il massimo livello di autonomia fisica, sociale, psicologica. Terapia Occupazionale in Rsa • Progetto terapeutico • L’osservazione e la conoscenza dei dati permettono di definire gli obiettivi proponibili. • Le attività della terapia occupazionale sono rivolte alle attività della vita quotidiana, di lavoro, di gioco, di artigianato, ecc. • Le proposte, non casuali, devono sempre far riferimento alle caratteristiche della personalità, l’autonomia motoria, capacità intellettive ed affettive. Terapia Occupazionale in Rsa • Gli Ausili: “Qualsiasi prodotto, strumento, attrezzatura o sistema tecnologico di produzione specializzata o di comune commercio, utilizzato da una persona disabile per prevenire, compensare, alleviare o eliminare una menomazione, disabilità o handicap” Standard internazionale ISO 99/EN29999 ausili. Terapia Occupazionale in Rsa • Ausili per la mobilità: Bastoni: una punta, tre punte, quattro punte Stampelle: ascellari, antibrachiali, canadesi, Deambulatori: quattro punte, due ruote e due punte, quattro ruote, Carrozzine: da transito, comode, elettriche. Terapia Occupazionale in Rsa • Funzione degli Ausili per la mobilità: Aumentare stabilità e sicurezza, migliorare l’equilibrio, fornire supporto (Jeka 1997) Eliminare del tutto o in parte il carico da uno o entrambi gli arti inferiori (Deathe 1993) Diminuire o rimuovere il dolore durante il carico (Deathe 1993) Aumentare la velocità di marcia Migliorare l’estetica della deambulazione Terapia Occupazionale in Rsa • I deambulatori: Criteri di scelta E stato condotto uno studio per valutare gli effetti di deambulatori sulla: capacità di esercizio e ossigenazione del sangue. Metodi: Misurazione della saturazione di ossigeno durante il cammino con e senza ausilio in un gruppo di anziani di età compresa tra 70 e 92 anni affetti da bronchite cronica. Risultati: il deambulatore ascellare aumenta la capacità di esercizio e di ossigenazione mentre il deambulatore senza ruote ha effetti peggiori. (Roomy J 1998) Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2004 Dec;85(12):2067-9. The WalkAbout: A new solution for preventing falls in the elderly and disabled. Wolfe RR, Jordan D, Wolfe ML. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of a new walking aid, the WalkAbout, for severely disabled and elderly persons. DESIGN: Crossover design. SETTING: Laboratory and nursing home. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-five patients who could not walk independently. INTERVENTIONS: The top rail of the WalkAbout completely encircles the user and is approximately waist high to provide user stability. The footprint of the base is larger in circumference than the top rail, with the legs angled outward to give the device maximum stability. The caster wheels roll easily along the floor as the user walks. Foot brakes on 2 wheels provide stability for entering and exiting the device by walking through the gate. A safety seat prevents falling but does not impede normal gait. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Distance walked, a questionnaire used to assess function of the WalkAbout, and laboratory tests of safety in preventing falls. RESULTS: Seventeen subjects could walk only with the WalkAbout. Ninety-seven percent of subjects who could walk with another assistive device walked further with the WalkAbout. Ninety-five percent of subjects said they felt safe while using the device and 92% reported that the WalkAbout safety seat was comfortable. CONCLUSIONS: The WalkAbout prevents falls and subjects walked further using the WalkAbout than with any other assistive device tested. Terapia Occupazionale in Rsa • Servizio igienico per disabile • Illuminazione con luce no abbaglianti e che non formano ombre,interrutori accessibili e posti all’ingresso della camera • Pavimento con fondo antisdrucciolo Terapia Occupazionale in Rsa • Doccia per disabili Terapia Occupazionale in Rsa • Sedia comoda Terapia Occupazionale in Rsa • • • • • Tripode e Quadripode Bastone da passeggio Canadesi Deambulatore a quattro ruote Deambulatore a due ruote e due puntali • Deambulatore con supporto antibrachiale • Deambulatore a quattro puntali. Terapia Occupazionale in Rsa • Calzature con plantari • la calzatura deve essere adatta alle caratteristiche del piede, comoda, sicura; – chiuse, – con punta e pianta larghe, – tomaia soffice senza rilievi e cuciture sporgenti. – devono aderire bene al piede e quindi essere preferibilmente allacciate o chiusura con velcro; – la suola antiscivolo con tacco di 2,5-3,5 cm in modo da fornire un sostegno posteriore e facilitare il passo. Age Ageing. 2003 May;32(3):310-4. An evaluation of footwear worn at the time of fall-related hip fracture. Sherrington C, Menz HB. BACKGROUND: a range of footwear features have been shown to influence balance in older people, however, little is known about the relationships between inappropriate footwear, falls and hip fracture. METHODS: 95 older people (average age 78.3 years, SD 7.9) who had suffered a fallrelated hip fracture were asked to identify the footwear they were wearing when they fell. Footwear characteristics were then evaluated using a standardised assessment form. RESULTS: the most common type of footwear worn at the time of the fall was slippers (22%), followed by walking shoes (17%) and sandals (8%). The majority of subjects (75%) wore shoes with at least one theoretically sub-optimal feature, such as absent fixation (63%), excessively flexible heel counters (43%) and excessively flexible soles (43%). Subjects who tripped were more likely to be wearing shoes with no fixation compared to those who reported other types of falls [chi(2)=4.21, df=1, P=0.033; OR=2.93 (95%CI 1.03-8.38)]. CONCLUSIONS: many older people who have had a fall-related hip fracture were wearing potentially hazardous footwear when they fell. The wearing of slippers or shoes without fixation may be associated with increased risk of tripping. Prospective studies into this proposed association appear warranted. Terapia Occupazionale in Rsa • Sollevatore passivo • Corsetto per movimentazione • Corsetto per sedia comoda e WC • Corsetto a rete Terapia Occupazionale in Rsa • Sedia per doccia Terapia Occupazionale in Rsa • Sollevatore attivo con cinghia di sicurezza. Terapia Occupazionale in Rsa • Bagno assistito con idromassaggio e barella da trasporto. Terapia Occupazionale in Rsa • Doccia assistita con WC incorporato. Terapia Occupazionale in Rsa • Carrozzina con ruote anteriori Terapia Occupazionale in Rsa • Carrozzina con ruote medie Terapia Occupazionale in Rsa • Carrozzina con sistema basculante. Terapia Occupazionale in Rsa • Deambulatore con supporto ascellare. Falls in the nursing home: Are they preventable? Vu MO, Weintraub N, Rubenstein LZ. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2005 May-Jun;6(3 Suppl):S82-7 CONCLUSION: Based on the current literature, an effective multifaceted fall prevention program for nursing home residents should include risk factor assessment and modification, staff education, gait assessment and intervention, assistive device assessment and optimization, as well as environmental assessment and modification. Although there is no association between the use of hip protectors and fall rates, their use should be encouraged because the ultimate goal of any fall prevention program is to prevent fall-related morbidity. Istitutional falls: quality non quantity M. McMurdo, J. Haper Age and Ageing Vol 33, N. 4 pp. 399-400, 2004. We Know all falls cannot be prevented. How should institutional falls be interpreted? Undoubtedly falls do reflect the quality of care provided. Falls need to be interpreted at the istitutional level – by examining staffing levels, the environment and circumstances in which residents are falling. Falls also need to be addressed at the individual level, by examining factors such prescriptions, reversible visual impairment, and use of walking aids. Istitutional falls: quality non quantity M. McMurdo, J. Haper Age and Ageing Vol 33, N. 4 pp. 399-400, 2004. In care setting for older people it is time now to developed criteria wich will allow us to move on from recording fall quantity to fall quality. A risk-free life is no life at all.