Falls are the leading cause of injuries and deaths among older adults in the United States, often resulting in serious consequences like traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
In 2021, falls led to 36,500 deaths across the country, with 3,805 fatalities occurring in Florida alone. Despite these alarming numbers, the role of alcohol in fall-related injuries among older adults has been understudied—until now.
A recent study from Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine, published in The Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open, sheds light on the connection between alcohol use and severe head trauma in older adults.
The research focused on intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), a type of bleeding in the brain that can occur after a fall.
The study used data from the Geriatric Head Trauma Short Term Outcomes Project (GREAT STOP), which examined patients aged 65 and older treated at two major trauma centers in Palm Beach County, Florida.
These centers handle a high number of emergency cases, making them ideal for this type of research. The study included 3,128 participants who had suffered blunt head trauma from falls and underwent initial CT scans. Of these, 433 individuals (13.5%) were diagnosed with ICH.
Alcohol use was reported by 561 participants (18.2%), and 6% said they drank alcohol daily. The study found that alcohol consumption significantly increased the risk of ICH after a fall.
Occasional drinkers had twice the odds of developing ICH compared to non-drinkers, while daily alcohol users faced a 150% higher risk. This strong link between alcohol use and head injuries suggests a dose-response relationship: the more frequent the alcohol use, the greater the risk.
Interestingly, alcohol users were generally younger, with an average age of 78, compared to 83 for non-drinkers. Among alcohol users, 22% were diagnosed with ICH, compared to 12% of non-users.
The risk of ICH also rose with drinking frequency, from an 8.5% increased risk in occasional drinkers to 13.1% in daily drinkers.
Dr. Richard Shih, the study’s lead author, emphasized that alcohol impairs balance, concentration, and awareness, making falls more likely.
These risks are heightened in older adults because aging reduces the body’s ability to process alcohol efficiently. Changes in body composition, such as a higher ratio of fat to water, amplify alcohol’s effects.
Despite the clear dangers, current fall prevention guidelines, such as the CDC’s STEADI program and the American Geriatrics Society’s guidelines, do not address alcohol use as a factor.
Dr. Shih recommends that alcohol assessment and reduction strategies be integrated into fall prevention efforts for older adults.
This study highlights the importance of addressing alcohol use as a modifiable risk factor for falls and related injuries. By reducing alcohol consumption in older adults, healthcare providers and caregivers can help prevent serious outcomes like traumatic brain injuries.
The findings also add to a growing body of research about the health risks of alcohol, especially for older adults.
As people age, alcohol can interact dangerously with medications, raise blood pressure, and impair overall health. Understanding these risks can help individuals make informed decisions about alcohol use.
For more information, the full study is available in The Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open.
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