Downton reported a score for predicting the risk of falls in an older adult.
Parameters:
(1) history of previous falls
(2) medications (5 types)
(3) sensory deficit(s): visual impairment, hearing impairment, limb impairment
(4) mental status
(5) gait
Parameter |
Finding |
Points |
history of falls |
no |
0 |
|
yes |
1 |
mental state |
oriented |
0 |
|
confused (cognitively impaired) |
1 |
gait |
normal |
0 |
|
safe with walking aids |
0 |
|
unsafe with or without walking aids |
1 |
|
unable to walk |
0 |
visual impairment |
no |
0 |
|
yes |
1 |
hearing impairment |
no |
0 |
|
yes |
1 |
limb impairment |
no |
0 |
|
yes |
1 |
tranquilizers or sedatives |
no |
0 |
|
yes |
1 |
diuretics |
no |
0 |
|
yes |
1 |
non-diuretic antihypertensive drug |
no |
0 |
|
yes |
1 |
antiparkinsonian drugs |
no |
0 |
|
yes |
1 |
antidepressants |
no |
0 |
|
yes |
1 |
total score =
= SUM(points for all of the parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 11
• A score >= 3 is associated with a high risk of falls.
Specialty: Surgery, orthopedic