Falls and Injuries Resulting from Falls among Patients with Parkinsonism: A Reappraisal

BACKGROUND: In 2002 we ascertained the frequency and predictors of falling and injuries among our parkinsonian patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in falls and injuries among our parkinsonian patients between 2002 and 2021. METHODS: A survey collected information about falls, injuries, and related health care from patients treated at our center in 2019 and 2020 (N = 2731). Outcomes included falls, fractures, injuries, and related health services. Explanatory variables included sex, age, disease duration, atypical parkinsonism, and dementia. Results were compared to the 2002 survey. RESULTS: 1615 surveys were analyzed. There were 54.3% fallers; 62.7% sustained injuries, 31.1% fractures; 59.8% of injuries required health services. Dementia and atypical parkinsonism predicted falling. Female sex, atypical parkinsonism, and dementia predicted fracture. 26% fewer injuries required health services compared to 2002. CONCLUSIONS: Proportion of fallers and fractures have not changed in our Center since 2002. Fewer injuries required health services.