According to AGS guidelines, which risk factor for falls was found to have the highest likelihood ratio (LR)?

The correct choice highlights muscle weakness as the risk factor for falls with the highest likelihood ratio according to AGS guidelines. Muscle weakness is a significant contributor to instability and can severely limit an individual's ability to perform daily activities. Weak muscles can impair balance and coordination, making a person more susceptible to falls. This risk factor is particularly relevant in older adults who may experience age-related decline in muscle mass and strength.

When considering fall risk assessments in geriatric populations, identifying individuals with muscle weakness can lead to targeted interventions such as strength training, which can enhance muscle function, improve balance, and ultimately reduce the risk of falls. Thus, understanding the connection between muscle strength and fall risk is instrumental for practitioners in developing effective fall prevention strategies.

Other factors, while important, have relatively lower likelihood ratios. For instance, while a history of falls indicates a prior incident that could suggest future risk, muscle weakness has been shown to have a more pronounced impact on stability and fall risk. Gait deficits and cognitive impairments also contribute to fall risk but do not align in terms of the likelihood ratio as closely as muscle weakness does according to the guidelines.