Dizziness, which includes feelings like vertigo and light-headedness, affects about one in three people over 65. For the first time, dizziness has been shown to predict falls in older adults.
Researchers reviewed 29 studies with 103,000 participants and found that older adults with dizziness are over 60% more likely to fall and about twice as likely to fall more than once. Therefore, it’s advised that older adults with any dizziness see their doctor early to prevent falls.
According to Dr. Toby Ellmers from Imperial College London, the study shows that older adults with dizziness are at a high risk of falling. Falls are the leading cause of injury death in people over 65 and cost the NHS £2.3 billion annually.
They can lead to severe issues like hip fractures, reduced mobility, and higher mortality. The researchers emphasize that dizziness should not be seen as a normal part of aging, as it can have specific causes and treatments.
Benign Positional Vertigo (dislodged inner ear crystals), orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drops when standing), and vestibular migraine are common causes of dizziness in older adults.
Dr. Ellmers highlights that “dizziness is a common reason for neurology clinic referrals and advises older adults to see their GP for early diagnosis and treatment to prevent falls and avoid hospital visits.”
Journal reference:
- Yuxiao Li, Rebecca M Smith et al., Association between dizziness and future falls and fall-related injuries in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Age and Ageing. DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae177.
