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CONFUSION AND FALLS – BANE OF THE ELDERLY Due to the ageing process, memory and cognitive function deteriorates leading to confusion and the musculo-skeletal system become weak with poor balance, leading to falls. Effect of ageing is usually not enough to interfere with organ function under baseline state, but may reduce reserve capacity sufficiently so that stress of a minor illness or introduction of a new drug to be enough to precipitate a problem. These could result from accumulation of factors such as poor diet, or accelerated by lack of exercise, smoking or alcohol. When a person loses memory gradually or has mobility problems over a period of time, it could be normal due to ageing. But if confusion occurs acutely or if the person falls due to no apparent reason, there has to be some underlying problem needing investigation. When assessing an elderly patient with confusion or falls, it ...