Scientists discover liver disease link to elderly falls

Feb 27 2010 by Helen Rae, The Journal

LEADING scientists in the North East have discovered a link between liver disease and the number of falls in the elderly, which they believe could save the NHS millions of pounds.

The findings by experts at Newcastle University show patients suffering from Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) are more than twice as likely to fall as non sufferers.

The study – which is published in the current edition of the Quarterly Journal of Medicine – looked at patients suffering from PBC.

Of those, 72% had suffered at least one fall; 55% had a fall in the past year and 22% were regular fallers. In each case this was more than double the rate for people who do not have the condition.

It is believed abnormalities in blood pressure control, poor balance and muscle weakness are causing the problems.

And experts say addressing postural dizziness, poor balance and lower limb weakness could reduce falls, injuries and deaths.

They believe a doctor, physiotherapist and occupational therapist should work together with one patient to address the issue of falls to help curb the problem.