Falls prevention in older adults

A clinical syndrome in adults over 65. Multifactorial prevention includes exercise, vision correction, and medication review. The role of vitamin D is addressed in dedicated guidelines and depends on baseline 25(OH)D.

ICD-10 R29.61 drug

Also known as: Geriatric falls

Drugs used for this condition

BCholecalciferolCase-by-case decision · Vitamins. Regulator of calcium-phosphorus metabolismIn adults over 65 with confirmed vitamin D deficiency, 800–1,000 IU daily reduces the risk of falls in several meta-analyses. The 2018 USPSTF update found the effect insufficient in patients without deficiency and withdrew the prior recommendation. The decision is individualised based on 25(OH)D level, physical activity, and other fall risk factors.

How to read tiers A–F

Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit