A new study suggests that the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) class of antidepressants may be linked to an increased risk of dementia patients in nursing homes who suffer falls.
According to HealthDay News, researchers in the Netherlands reviewed information about daily prescription drug use as well as falling incidents suffered by dementia patients that occured in 248 nursing homes for two years beginning in January 2006. They found that antidepressant drugs were used 16 percent of the days monitored in the study, and that SSRIs, were taken on 13 percent of the days.
Researchers also found that 683 falls occurred among 152 of the 248 nursing home residents, with 38 residents only falling once while 114 had frequent falls. They also found that the risk of injury from a fall was three times higher for those who took SSRI’s than residents who didn’t.
Injuries that occurred from the falls included bone fractures, sprains, swelling, bruises and open wounds. One death resulted from a fall.
Nursing home falls are a major issue for residents with dementia and one third of falls among residents in nursing homes cause an injury.
If you or a loved one has experienced nursing home abuse, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to learn about your options.