Postural disorders of neurological genesis in elderly patients: pathogenesis and features of diagnostics (literature review)

Abstract

Walking and balance disorders in elderly patients are the most common manifestations of various diseases of the nervous system. Balance imbalance is the leading cause of injuries in the elderly, leading to a limitation of both the patient’s ability to work and communication in the social environment, which in particular cases leads to a loss of independence, reducing the quality of life. Walking disorders are an important, difficult to resolve medical and social problem. The aim of the study was to identify the physiological and clinical aspects of age-related gait disorders with an emphasis on neurological pathogenetic causes. A detailed study of modern foreign medical literature and current international clinical guidelines was carried out with further systematization of the data obtained. Falls in the elderly are a common and major factor that threatens the independence of older people. The frequency of falls increases with age. Treatment for fall injuries does not always include identifying the cause of the fall. In the elderly, loss of balance is most commonly due to multiple causes, including impending threat to the homeostatic mechanisms that maintain postural stability combined with age-related impairments in balance, gait stability, and cardiovascular function. Gait disorders are a major cause of functional impairment and morbidity in the elderly. Most gait disorders in the elderly are multifactorial and have neurological components. In developed countries, there is a trend towards aging of the population: the percentage component of the elderly part of the population is growing. It is violations of balance, stability and walking, to a large extent, that lead to the inability of the patient to provide his quality of life at a satisfactory level on his own, to disability and failure in the workplace. Early diagnosis of gait disorders can prevent premature disability and limit the independence of elderly patients. It is important to note that a history of falls is a predictor of the risk of new falls.

Keywords

• falls
• advanced age
• postural stability
• impaired walking and balance
• gerontology
• rehabilitation