Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
08:56
Clinical Assessment of Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Patients and Older Adults
Published on: November 7, 2014
[Gait disorders in the elderly: prospects for a symptomatic therapy]
1Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum der Universität München, München. klaus.jahn@med.uni-muenchen.de
Fortschritte Der Neurologie-Psychiatrie
|May 9, 2012
Summary
Gait disorders in the elderly have multiple causes, including sensory, neurodegenerative, and toxic factors. Effective symptomatic therapies, such as physical therapy and novel drug targets, aim to improve mobility and prevent falls.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Movement Disorders
Context:
- Gait disorders are a common neurological symptom in the elderly.
- Multiple etiologies often coexist in older adults, leading to gait instability and dizziness.
- Reduced mobility and falls significantly impact quality of life, morbidity, and mortality.
Purpose:
- To summarize current literature on symptomatic therapies for gait disorders in the elderly.
- To highlight the importance of identifying specific deficits for targeted treatment.
- To explore promising therapeutic avenues beyond conventional physical therapy.
Summary:
- Gait disorders in the elderly stem from sensory deficits, neurodegeneration, toxic factors, and anxiety.
- Physical therapy, including postural and locomotor training, is foundational for improving gait and fall prevention.
- Emerging symptomatic treatments focus on enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission and modulating Purkinje cell function, with deep brain stimulation showing potential for locomotor control.
Impact:
- Improved understanding of gait disorder pathophysiology in the elderly.
- Identification of key deficits for personalized therapeutic strategies.
- Potential for novel symptomatic treatments to enhance mobility and reduce fall-related morbidity and mortality.
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