Ask Dr. Etingin: Falling; Blood Tests

I’ve fallen a few times over the past several months. Is this a normal part of aging?

While the risk of falls may increase with age due to factors such as changes in balance, vision, and muscle strength, frequent falls are not considered a normal or inevitable part of the aging process.

Here are some common factors that could contribute to frequent falls in older adults:

Balance and Gait Issues: Changes in balance and walking patterns can occur with age. Conditions such as muscle weakness, joint problems, or neurological issues may affect your ability to maintain balance.

Vision Problems: Poor vision or eye conditions, such as cataracts or glaucoma, can increase the risk of falls. Regular eye checkups are important for identifying and addressing vision issues.

Medications: Some medications cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or other side effects that can contribute to falls.

Foot Problems: Issues with your feet, such as pain, numbness, or poor footwear, can affect balance and increase the risk of falling.

Neurological Issues: Conditions such as peripheral neuropathy or Parkinson’s disease may affect coordination and balance.

Environmental Factors: Clutter, uneven flooring, and poor lighting in your home can contribute to falls. Making your living environment safer can help prevent accidents.

Dehydration: Not getting enough fluids can lead to dizziness and weakness, increasing the risk of falls.

Lack of Physical Activity: Insufficient physical activity can lead to muscle weakness and reduced flexibility, making it more challenging to maintain balance.

Schedule an appointment with a physician for a thorough physical assessment. Taking proactive steps to address the underlying causes of your symptoms can help improve your safety and quality of life.

I’ve heard about blood tests that can detect cancer before symptoms appear. Should I get tested?

There are around 20 multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests in development, and at least two that are available—though not yet approved by the FDA—including the Galleri test (GRAIL) and the OneTest (2020 Gene Systems). There are pros and cons associated with these tests. One of the biggest advantages is that it is possible for cancer to be detected early, and when cancer is found early, it’s often easier to treat and has a higher chance of being cured. If you have a family history of a specific type of cancer, the option to be tested can offer peace of mind, by either determining that no cancer is detected or by catching a potential problem early. Another benefit associated with these early detection tests is that if the test shows that you have cancer, it can help your doctors plan the best treatment for you because knowing the type and stage of cancer is crucial for creating an effective plan.

Some of the cons associated with these tests include false positive and false negative results. Sometimes, the test might show that you have cancer when you actually don’t. This can be stressful and lead to unnecessary treatments and diagnostic tests. On the other hand, the test may not detect cancer even if it’s there. This can give a false sense of security, delaying the start of necessary treatment. MCED tests do not detect all cancers or measure your genetic risk of developing cancer in the future. Specialists say these new blood tests should be used in addition to, not in place of, other cancer-screening tests recommended by your physicians. Ultimately, the decision of whether to have your blood tested for the presence of cancer is one that should be made in conjunction with your doctors based on your medical history and individual circumstances.

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