Implications for practice and research

• People with dementia show a higher incidence of falls four years before diagnosis.

• There is a growing evidence of life-style risk factors for developing dementia in later life.

• Further research is needed of the behavioural risks to developing dementia and interventions to mitigate those risks.

Context

The incidence of falls increases with age with approximately a third of people over the age of 65 years experiencing one or more falls a year. These falls can result in significant injuries, such as a fracture or even death. Dementia is largely a condition associated with age and there is a growing interest and body …