The North Health Management Area of Jaén, through the Andalusian Health Service (SAS), has carried out a health education initiative at the Virgen de Linarejos Health Center. The main objective was to inform people with Parkinson's disease and their relatives about how to prevent falls and the factors that increase their risk.
The session, held in collaboration with the Linares Parkinson's Association, was led by specialist nurse Juani Ponce. It addressed both general fall risks in the elderly and those specific to Parkinson's disease, considered a priority public health issue.
It was highlighted that up to 60% of people with Parkinson's may experience a fall, a significantly higher figure than the general population over 65. Furthermore, half of those who have fallen may fall again within the following six months.
The specialist nurse detailed risk factors such as loss of muscle strength, balance and gait disturbances, vision or hearing problems, orthostatic hypotension, cognitive decline, and medication side effects. Environmental risks like rugs, cables, poor lighting, or inadequate footwear were also mentioned.
“"Identifying risk factors before a fall occurs allows us to act on many of them and adopt simple measures that can help maintain a person's autonomy for longer."
Emphasis was placed on the importance of reporting any falls or changes in mobility to healthcare professionals. Parkinson's disease increases fall risk due to slowness of movement, muscle rigidity, 'freezing' episodes (sudden gait blockages), difficulties with turns, and problems when attempting to walk while performing another activity simultaneously.
Warning signs such as recent falls, balance disturbances, reduced walking speed, or changes in medication were reviewed. Comprehensive prevention includes observing gait, clinical and pharmacological review, and working on strength, balance, and safety in daily activities.
This activity is part of the community health work of the Virgen de Linarejos Health Center, aiming to provide rigorous and understandable health information to citizens and encourage the participation of associations and patients in promoting their own health.
