Falls can happen due to many risk factors. The most common one is a change of walking patterns and loss of balance that affects many people with Parkinson’s.
It’s important to be aware of the causes and how you can minimise the risks of falls. Identifying the contributing factors will help guide which treatment is best.
Physiotherapist (and President of Parkinson’s Europe) Josefa Domingos – who has spent decades specialising in physiotherapy for Parkinson’s – has approved the following advice.
Here are some of the most common reasons why people with Parkinson’s fall:
Posture
Parkinson’s can slowly alter your posture, leaving you more stooped as it progresses. This change impacts your balance and can increase the risk of falling forwards.
Muscle weakness
Weak muscles can also make your posture more stooped, increasing the risk of falling. Try to stay as active as possible to prevent muscle weakening and stop joints from getting weak or stiff.
A physiotherapist will be able to recommend different exercises to help. Specifically reduced strength in the legs has been related to increased risk of falls.
Postural instability
Parkinson’s affects the area of the brain – the basal ganglia and brainstem – that controls walking and helps you adjust your balance as you move. As a result, you may find that you don’t have the normal reflexes to quickly adjust your balance to stop yourself from falling.
Freezing
Freezing – when you involuntarily suddenly stop walking or feel as though you are ‘glued’ to the floor – it can be a symptom of Parkinson’s. This can make you feel unsteady, and fearful of falling. See tips to help with freezing when you have Parkinson’s.
Low blood pressure
Changes and issues with blood pressure are quite common as we age. However, blood pressure problems can also be a symptom of Parkinson and also a side effect of Parkinson’s medications.
Dizziness and light-headedness can increase our risk of falls, so it’s important to get up from lying or sitting down to standing, as slowly as possible. Take your time and don’t try to walk straight away.
Make sure you speak to your doctor if you regularly feel faint – your medication may need to be adjusted. Some nonpharmacological strategies can help, such as increasing water intake, salt or salty biscuits, eat small meals more frequently, and limiting alcohol.
Eyesight
Blurred vision and difficulties with contrast can also impact daily activities. These kind of eye problems alongside visuospatial cognitive issues (e.g. judging spaces) can make it more difficult to safely move past objects or through narrow spaces, so the risk of falling is increased. Regular eye check-ups are really important.
Eyesight problems may also be a side effect of medication, so talk to your doctor if you’re having issues with your sight. Difficulties with distances can be trained through specific walking exercises with a specialised physiotherapist.
Hazards at home or at work
Even the smallest hazard at home, like laundry left on the floor, animals in the way or talking while walking can lead to a fall. Talk to your physiotherapist or occupational therapist who will be able to suggest ways to reduce risks in your home or at work.
There are ways you can reduce your risk of falling. Read our ‘fall prevention tips for people with Parkinson’s’ here.
