Prevent Head Injuries in Older Adults

Falling is the single largest cause of injuries for adults over the age of 65 in the United States.  One way to lower your risk of developing dementia is to lower your risk of falling and injuring your head.

To make your living environment safer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises the following:

-- Remove anything that might cause you to trip, including throw rugs or excessive clutter in walkways

-- Use non-slip mats in the bathtub or on shower floors

-- Install grab bars next to the toilet and tub or shower

-- Install handrails on both sides of a stairway

-- Improve lighting throughout the home

-- Maintain a regular exercise program to improve lower body strength and balance

Research suggests that a person who has experienced a head injury has a significantly greater likelihood of developing dementia.