As many as one in eight seniors will suffer a traumatic brain injury, mainly as a result of a fall accident.
Researchers arrived at those findings recently through an analysis of Medicare data of more than 9,200 patients covering a period of 18 years. They found that during this time, 13% of seniors above the age of 65 suffered a brain injury that resulted in a concussion. Most of these personal injuries occurred during fall accidents.
The researchers are calling the findings of the study “shocking” and say that far too many seniors are living with traumatic brain injuries that expose them to the risk of several health complications. Brain injuries in seniors may cause other complications including dementia and Parkinson’s disease. They can also increase the risk of depression and anxiety in patients who are already at a high risk of such struggles.
Women seem to have a much higher risk of suffering brain injuries as they age. Just about 58% of the subjects in the study were women, but they accounted for 64% of persons with a brain injury. Interestingly, white people and the wealthy were much more likely to suffer fall accidents. The researchers are attributing this to the result of more active lifestyles in these groups which increase the risk of falls. Disabled or wheelchair- bound seniors are less likely to suffer fall accidents. Additionally, seniors who suffer from cognitive impairments are also less likely to be active and suffer, or be at a high risk of, fall accidents. Seniors are encouraged to be physically active to keep fit and agile. Fitness programs like walking and other activities may expose seniors to the risk of falling.
The researchers also believe that many persons from lower socioeconomic backgrounds or racial minorities likely do not seek medical care for their injuries which may account for their lower representation in the results. Earlier studies have confirmed that there are disparities based on wealth and socioeconomic status in the kind of care that people receive following a brain injury.
The results of the study point to the need for seniors to fall-proof their environment in order to reduce the risk of potential debilitating head and brain injuries. Special care must be taken when seniors are out and about. Look out for debris or clutter on the floor, wet patches or puddles, and avoid using commercial spaces that do not have sufficient safety aids, like guardrails and safe stairways in place. Remember, a fall accident can have more than just short term consequences and may seriously impact the quality of your life.
The Atlanta slip and fall accident lawyers at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to the representation of persons who have suffered injuries in slip and fall accidents in the metro Atlanta region and across the state of Georgia. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a fall accident, talk to an attorney at our firm and discuss your legal options for a claim for damages. You may qualify for damages that include medical costs, lost income and other types of compensation.