[Recurrent falling, osteoporosis and sarcopenia, three major problems, an integrated approach].
Falling incidents occur frequently and have many harmful side-effects. Not only is there a risk of injuries, the psychological and financial consequences can also be considerable. If these issues are to be addressed thoroughly attention will have to be paid to a reduction of the risk of falling as well as to that of fractures. The department of Gerontology and Geriatrics of the University of Louvain is actively involved in both areas. This involvement is clarified in this contribution. Firstly there is a description of the establishment of the 'Expert Centre Prevention of Falling Flanders' and its tasks. Then some research projects related to prevention of falling will be dealt with briefly, whilst the final part discusses in greater detail the research programme 'Old age related osteoporosis and sarcopenia'.
Dejaeger
E
E
Afdeling Geriatrie, UZ Gasthuisberg K.U. Leuven. eddy.dejaeger@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
Boonen
S
S
Coussement
J
J
Milisen
K
K
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D055948:Sarcopenia / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*