Altered Blood Flow in Brain Linked to Falls in Seniors

Researchers have found that altered blood flow in the brain, caused by high blood pressure and other conditions, significantly increases the risk of falls in elderly people. Farzaneh A Sorond, MD, PhD, and colleagues studied 419 men and women aged 65 and over. Participants were given an ultrasound to measure brain blood flow response to carbon dioxide levels, a standard test of blood vessel function in the brain. Results showed that the 20% of participants who had the smallest blood flow changes in the brain had a 70% higher risk of falling compared to the 20% of participants who had the largest blood flow changes in the brain. "Our findings suggest there could be a new strategy for preventing falls, such as daily exercise and treatments for high blood pressure, since blood pressure affects blood flow in the brain and may cause falls," said Sorond.