Older cannabis users showed higher fall risk, worse balance, and slower walking than non-users | Research

The takeaway

Among 16 older adults, chronic cannabis users showed higher fall risk, worse one-leg balance, and slower gait speed compared to age- and sex-matched non-users, though cognitive function did not differ.

Geriatricians, physical therapists, fall prevention specialists, and older adults considering cannabis.

Higher fall risk and worse balance in older cannabis users vs. matched non-users

What the researchers found

Cannabis-using older adults showed higher fall risk scores, poorer one-leg standing balance, and slower gait speed compared to matched non-users. No significant differences in cognitive function were found between groups.

Why it matters

Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among older adults. If cannabis use exacerbates age-related balance and gait decline, this has significant clinical implications as cannabis use grows among seniors.

The numbers in context

Total participants: 16. Cannabis users: 8. Non-users: 8. Age and sex matched. Higher fall risk, worse one-leg balance, and slower gait in users. No cognitive function difference.

How the study worked

Cross-sectional comparison of 8 older chronic cannabis users and 8 age- and sex-matched non-users. Assessed fall risk, one-leg standing balance, gait speed, and cognitive function using standardized tests.

What this study cannot tell us

Very small sample (n=16). Cross-sectional design cannot determine if cannabis caused the impairments. No control for pre-existing conditions or medications. Cannot assess acute vs. chronic effects.

How to read the evidence

Very small sample size severely limits conclusions, though matched design adds some rigor.

When this study was published

Published in 2021.

The bigger picture

With cannabis use increasing most rapidly among older adults, understanding how it interacts with age-related physical decline is critical for preventing falls and maintaining independence.

Questions still open

Is the fall risk from cannabis chronic or only during acute intoxication? Would CBD-dominant products carry the same risk? Could dosage adjustments mitigate balance effects in seniors?

Common questions

Does cannabis increase fall risk in older adults?

This small study found chronic cannabis users had higher fall risk scores, worse balance, and slower gait than matched non-users, but the sample was too small to draw definitive conclusions.

Did cannabis affect thinking ability in older adults?

No. Despite the physical function differences, cognitive test scores did not significantly differ between cannabis users and non-users in this study.

Read the original research

Increased Likelihood of Falling in Older Cannabis Users vs. Non-Users.

Brain sciences, 11(2)

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Workman, Craig D; Fietsam, Alexandra C; Sosnoff, Jacob; Rudroff, Thorsten. (2021). Increased Likelihood of Falling in Older Cannabis Users vs. Non-Users.. Brain sciences, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11020134