Preventing Falls
More than 65 percent of people with Parkinson’s will fall within the first year of their diagnosis. Approximately 50 percent will fall more than once in a year.
Preventing Falls
More than 65 percent of people with Parkinson’s will fall within the first year of their diagnosis. Approximately 50 percent will fall more than once in a year. This includes people with young-onset Parkinson’s and those who are optimally medicated.
Your risk of falling increases when you have any of the following:
- Multiple medications
- Vision problems
- Muscle weakness
- Depression
- Difficulty thinking
- Difficulty balancing
- Difficulty walking
- A history of falls
- Fear of falling
All of the above are natural symptoms of Parkinson’s, so please take the following steps and reduce your risk:
Talk with your doctor.
Besides describing your health issues, don’t forget to mention problems with balance and dizzy spells. Be sure to talk about your prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements. Some of their side effects may increase your risk of falling.
Get Moving.
Whether you perform them standing or seated, choosing the right exercises will keep you healthy, strong and less likely to fall.
Modify the home.
- Remove throw rugs
- Ensure proper lighting, especially for nighttime
- Clean up stacks of magazine, books or newspapers
- Tape electrical wires to walls
- Have frequently-used items within reach, like the telephone or remote control
- Install handrails and grab bars, particularly in the bathroom
