Alzheimer’s and Fall Risks: Ways to Prevent Fall Injuries

About 1 in every 4 seniors falls at least once a year, and that’s even more common for people who have Alzheimer’s disease. The main thing to watch for is any sign that your loved one’s condition is worse after a fall.

If they’re knocked out (unconscious), stay calm. Most people wake up in less than a minute. Don’t try to move them until you know it’s safe. Call 911 so they can be checked by a professional.

You also should get medical help right away if they:

• Can't stay awake
• Can't move a part of their body
• Have new weakness anywhere in their body
• Can't stand or walk normally (and could before)
• Have a seizure before, during, or after the fall
• Have bleeding you can't stop
• Look like they might have broken a bone
• Are suddenly short of breath
• Have a serious headache
• Vomit more than once in the 24 hours after the fall
• Have neck pain
• Have pain in their belly or chest
• Have a fever

If you’re worried about a serious injury, such as a broken bone or a head or neck injury, don't move them.

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