Prevention of head trauma is important for a number of reasons, including its potential effect on dementia risk. Children and adults should be encouraged to follow current safety advice and legislation to prevent head injury. This includes wearing helmets when riding bicycles or motorcycles, or participating in contact sports or other activities associated with a high risk of falls, and preventing falls in older adults.
Older people are more likely to suffer head or other injury due to falls, and the risk factors include:
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s disease
- Arthritis
- Postural hypotension
- Dizziness
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Dementia
- Incontinence
- Poor nutrition
- Poor balance
- Weak muscles
- Poor eyesight
- Some medications and polypharmacy
- Foot problems and inadequate footwear
GPs can assist patients to prevent falls by:
- managing health conditions and medications
- providing advice about exercise, particularly balance and strength exercises
- providing referrals to a podiatrist, ophthalmologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, or other appropriate health professional
- referring patients to their local council, Commonwealth Carelink, Independent Living Centre or other appropriate agency for advice about services and supports available to them
