Chicago-The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) has published new clinical practice guidelines on the prevention of falls in older persons. The guidelines were presented at the AGS 2001 Annual Scientific Meeting in Chicago and are the results of a collaborative effort between the AGS, the British Geriatrics Society (BGS), and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

"Falls are the fifth leading cause of death in older persons," says Laurence Rubenstein, MD, co-chair of the Falls Expert Panel that developed the guidelines. "People often underestimate the seriousness of falls and fail to report them to their physicians until injury and disability has already occurred. These guidelines will help physicians and other health care professionals identify those patients at risk for falls, and once evaluated, to take the appropriate steps to help prevent future falls."

According to the guidelines, physicians can identify those at risk by reviewing a patient's history of falls, evaluating leg function and mobility, the ability to balance, and a person's cardiovascular health and vision. Medications taken by the patient should be reviewed, as well as the use of walking aids, such as a cane or walker.

"The best way to find out if a patient is at risk for falls is to ask them if they've fallen recently," said Rubenstein. "Once the history is established, then the doctor can determine if the cause is environmental or if there are more serious underlying health concerns, such as a heart condition or impaired neurological function."

The AGS has prepared a consumer guide that provides advice on reducing the risk for falls. The guide recommends that older people begin an exercise program that includes balance training and to correct hazards in the home that could contribute to falling, such as loose carpets or poor lighting.

The guidelines appeared in the May 2001 issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Funding for the guidelines was provided by Medtronic, Inc. and Shire Pharmaceuticals.

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is the premier professional organization of health care providers dedicated to improving the health and well being of all older adults. With an active membership of over 6,000 health care professionals, the AGS has a long history of effecting change in the provision of health care for older adults. In the last decade, the Society has become a pivotal force in shaping attitudes, policies and practices regarding health care for older people.