JAMA: 2010-01-20, Vol. 303, No. 3, Author in the Room™ Audio Interview

Interview with Mary E. Tinetti, MD, author of The Patient Who Falls. Summary Points: 1. Falls are common health events that cause discomfort and disability for older adults and stress for caregivers. Previous falls; strength, gait and balance impairments; and medications are the strongest risk factors for falling. 2. The most effective strategy for reducing the rate of falling in community-living older adults may be intervening on multiple risk factors including strengthening and balance exercises through physical therapy, medication reduction, environmental modifications to reduce fall hazards, cataract surgery. Vitamin D has strong evidence of benefit for preventing fractures among older men at risk and probably of preventing falls in all at risk older adults. 3. While challenges and barriers exist, fall prevention strategies can be incorporated into clinical practice.