Fall Risk with PD

Fall Risk with PD

Higher fall risk is a daunting but sometimes inevitable part of life when living with Parkinson’s disease. A comprehensive review found that “45–68% of people with Parkinson's experience at least one fall each year, roughly three times the rate of healthy older adults” (Murueta-Goyena, 0224). Around half of those falls lead to secondary injuries including fractures and head injuries. Those who experienced recurrent falls reported a wide range about 5-60 falls per person per year. This shows just how severe fall risk can become with advanced PD. 

Predictors of falling: 

• Previous fall history o This is the strongest predictor because it indicates that mobility, balance, and/or cognitive factors are already present (Bradley, 2025) 
  
• Gait abnormalities o Short shuffling steps, reduced arm swing, gait variability, and difficulty turning make tripping and loss of balance more likely. 
  
• Postural instability o Impaired postural reflexes make it harder to recover from a loss of balance. 
  
• Freezing of gait o Sudden inability to move the feet can cause forward falls, especially during turning, doorway crossing, or multitasking. 
  
• Greater disease duration and severity o Motor and non-motor symptoms accumulate over time, increasing instability and mobility limitations. 
  
• Cognitive impairment o Reduced executive function and attention make it harder to safely navigate obstacles and multitask. 
  
• Autonomic dysfunction (blood pressure drops suddenly) o Orthostatic hypotension can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when standing, leading to falls. 
  
• Decreased reaction time 
  

If a Fall Occurs 

If a fall occurs, first stay calm, check for injuries, and avoid trying to get up quickly if you feel pain, dizziness, or cannot move safely. If you are able, roll to your side, move to your hands and knees, use a stable chair or surface for support, and slowly return to standing or call for assistance if needed. 

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