Downton Fall Risk Index (DFRI)

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.

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