["Abnormal" neurologic findings in the "healthy" elderly]

Neuropathological changes and clinical neurological findings of the nervous system of healthy, old people (more than 80 years old) are referenced according to the literature. In addition, the results of a clinical neurological examination of 86 healthy senior citizens (average age: 83.6 years) are demonstrated. The respective findings are summarized in a table according to their frequency. The involution of the human nervous system with age results neuropathologically and clinically-neurologically in damage to the frontal lobe (disinhibition of archaic reflexes), the extrapyramidal system (Parkinsonian walking pattern), the posterior tract of the spine (unsteadiness of walking), and the peripheral nervous system (e.g. loss of the achilles tendon reflex). The Parkinsonian-like walking pattern of the healthy old-aged human is thought to be a disinhibition of an archaic pattern of posture and movement. Brief suggestions for differential diagnosis and therapy are presented.