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Possible link between anticholinergics and falls

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Possible link between anticholinergics and falls

Serious falls are more than twice as likely in older men who take medicines with anti-cholinergic properties, such as those prescribed for bladder problems, depression, psychosis, insomnia and respiratory problems – according to research from the University of East Anglia.

The results, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, suggest a new risk factor for falls.

The researchers found that falls resulting in injury were more than twice as likely in men ‘taking medicines with potent anti-cholinergic activity’. However, there was no similar link found for women in the study.

Lead researcher Dr Kathryn Richardson, from UEA’s School of Health Sciences, said: “Our findings indicate the importance for doctors, pharmacists and healthcare professionals to regularly review the appropriateness of medications taken by their older patients."

“Experiencing a fall can have a devastating impact on older people’s lives and is a major contributor to care home admission and hospitalisation, so it is vitally important for us to find ways to reduce the risk of falls or their severity.”

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