Gait and Balance Disorders in Seniors: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

Stonecrestliving
Jul 25, 2017 · 3 min read
Senior in depression because of balance disorder

Gait and balance disorders in seniors are characterized by poor balance and instability in their gait. We have rounded up some essential information about gait and balance disorders that you need to know.

Gait and balance disorder is common in aged adults and is one of the major causes of falls. In this disorder an aged adult, even a healthy one, is not able to secure their balance due to erratic foot placement, instability of trunk and bilateral posture.

Balance problems make them vulnerable to injury, disability and other serious health concerns which further affect their quality of life.

The disorder is caused by several chronic health problems, musculoskeletal disorders, poor posture, and decreased mobility. According to one study, gait disorders were found in nearly 25 percent of people age 70 to 74 years, and nearly 60 percent of those falling in 80 plus age category.

Identifying gain and balance disorders in the earlier stage can help you prevent dysfunction and other potential complication.

We have listed some essential information about gait and balance disorders in seniors to help you take the right next step.

What are the Changes in Gait with Aging?

It is not easy to tell if the gait in seniors are abnormal. This is because of the differences in standards to define a normal gait in seniors. Several researches have compared a gait of healthy people in their 70s with healthy people age 20 plus. They have found that there is a 10–20 percent reduction in gait velocity and stride length in aged people.

Other traits of gait that are affected as you age are increased stance width, increased time spend in the double support phase, curved posture, and reduced vigorous force development at the moment of push off. These changes may be due to the alterations in sensory or motor systems to generate a safe and balanced gait pattern. An elder have “senile gait disorder” when an underlying disease can’t be identified. Its signs are slow, broad based, cautious walking pattern.

What are the Causes Lead to Gait and Balance Disorders?

Senior gait problem

There are many medical conditions associated with gait and balance disorders. For example, pain, imbalance, declined strength, limited mobility, incorrect posture, fatigue, deformity and decreased sensory perception. Moreover, the disorder is also triggered by surgery, hospitalization and severe illness.

It is also found that several medications when prescribed four or more can contribute to gait disorders.

What are the Symptoms Associated with Gait and Balance Disorder?

  • Erratic foot placement
  • Back pain
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Poor Judgement
  • Dementia
  • Visual and Hearing Problems
  • Dizziness, Vertigo
  • History of Falls with Head Trauma
  • Muscle Weakness

How Is Gait and Balance Disorder Diagnosed?

Considering that gait and balance disorders lead to falls that are very consistent, identification of gait and balance is extremely important in earlier stages. Moreover, the falling rate is more than the previous year in seniors.

Gait and balance disorders are diagnosed in following steps by a doctor:

  • Physician asks aged adults about their fall rate and troubles in gait and balance.
  • History of acute and chronic medical problems
  • Medication review
  • Physical examination
  • Gait and balance performing test
  • Presence of other factors that affect posture and mobility

How Is Gait and Balance Disorder Treated?

Senior under treatment process

A treatment of gait and balance disorder includes various steps like..

  • Identification and prevention of contributors and factors
  • Alleviating the symptoms of chronic health conditions
  • Surgery
  • Pacemakers, visual correction and hearing aids to improve sensory input
  • Use of canes and walkers
  • Exercise and physical therapy targeted at flexibility, strength and balance

So this is all about gait and balance problems in seniors. If your elders have such problem, take them for medical checkups and treatments and follow the clinical guidelines.

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