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Citation
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Lindell E, Kollén L, Johansson M, Karlsson T, Rydén L, Zettergren A, Frandin K, Skoog I, Finizia C. Aging Clin. Exp. Res. 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub. |
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Affiliation
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Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. |
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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Dizziness is common among older people and falling is a feared complication.
AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of dizziness and its association with falls, walking speed and fear of falling, including sex differences, among 79-year-olds. Secondary purposes were to describe the relationship between dizziness and falls to number of medications and diseases.
METHOD: The study consisted of the fifth cohort of Gothenburg's H70 birth cohort studies. A sample of 662 79-year-olds (404 women, 258 men) were investigated with questions regarding dizziness, previous falls and falls efficacy [estimated according to the falls efficacy scale Swedish version (FES (S))]. Functional tests included self-selected and maximal walking speed over 20 m.
RESULTS: Dizziness was reported among 51% of the women and by 58% of the men (p = 0.12). Approximately, 40% had fallen during the past 12 months (41% women, 38% of the men, p = 0.48). Dizziness was related to a higher risk of falls among women (OR 2.63 (95% CI 1.67-4.14, p < 0.0001), but not among men (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.63-1.82, p = 0.8). Dizzy individuals had lower scores on FES (S) (p < 0.01), more medications (p < 0.001) and diseases (p < 0.001) than those without dizziness. Participants who reported dizziness walked 10% slower than participants without dizziness (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Women with dizziness more often reported falls compared to women without dizziness-a trend that was not seen among men. Persons with dizziness walked slower. Many medications increased risk of falling; hence, number of medications alone might help pinpoint risk groups for falling.
Language: en |