Stürze im Alter

Stürze im höheren Lebensalter sind häufig. Sie können zu sozialem Rückzug, Immobilität, einem Abbau physischer Leistungsfähigkeit und schließlich zu einem Verlust der Autonomie führen. Bei neurologischen Patienten des höheren Lebensalters ist die Inzidenz von Stürzen besonders hoch. Neben der Therapie der zugrunde liegenden neurologischen Erkrankung müssen von ärztlicher Seite Risikofaktoren – insbesondere für rezidivierende Stürze – identifiziert, physiotherapeutische Behandlungsmaßnahmen eingeleitet und die Patienten adäquat mit Hilfsmitteln versorgt werden. Dem medizinischen Fachpersonal obliegt die Aufgabe, Risikofaktoren für Stürze in der häuslichen Umgebung der Patienten zu erkennen und zu reduzieren.

Falls in the elderly are frequent. They may lead to restrictions of social life, immobility and loss of competence in everyday activities. A vicious circle starts when immobility results in reduction of physical achievements and vice versa. There is a high incidence of falls with neurological diseases of the elderly. The treating physician should consider not only the adequate management of these conditions, but also identify risk factors of falling, and provide adequate measures of physiotherapy as well as instrumental aids for walking and balance. Social services should be alerted to check for extrinsic risks of falls in the patientŽs domestic environment.

Key Words

Falls - risk factors - diagnosis - treatment - prevention

Literatur

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