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Erschienen in: Zeitschrift für Gerontologie und Geriatrie 4/2019

03.06.2019 | Themenschwerpunkt

Balance and mobility in geriatric patients

Assessment and treatment of neurological aspects

verfasst von: Prof. Dr. med. Klaus Jahn, Ellen Freiberger, Bjoern M. Eskofier, Cornelius Bollheimer, Jochen Klucken

Erschienen in: Zeitschrift für Gerontologie und Geriatrie | Ausgabe 4/2019

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Abstract

Background

Personal autonomy in advanced age critically depends on mobility in the environment. Geriatric patients are often not able to walk safely with sufficient velocity. In many cases, multiple factors contribute to the deficit. Diagnostic identification of single components enables a specific treatment.

Objective

This article describes the most common neurological causes of imbalance and impaired gait that are relevant for a pragmatic approach for the assessment of deficits in clinical and natural environments taking into account the physiology of balance and gait control, typical morbidities in older people and the potential of innovative assessment technologies.

Material and methods

Expert opinion based on a narrative review of the literature and with reference to selected research topics.

Results and discussion

Common neurological causes of impaired balance and mobility are sensory deficits (reduced vision, peripheral neuropathy, vestibulopathy), neurodegeneration in disorders with an impact on movement control and motoric functions (Parkinsonian syndromes, cerebellar ataxia, vascular encephalopathy) and functional (psychogenic) disorders, particularly a fear of falling. Clinical tests and scores in laboratory environments are complemented by the assessment in the natural environment. Wearable sensors, mobile smartphone-based assessment of symptoms and functions and adopted strategies for analysis are currently emerging. Use of these data enables a personalized treatment. Furthermore, sensor-based assessment ensures that effects are measured objectively.
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Metadaten
Titel
Balance and mobility in geriatric patients
Assessment and treatment of neurological aspects
verfasst von
Prof. Dr. med. Klaus Jahn
Ellen Freiberger
Bjoern M. Eskofier
Cornelius Bollheimer
Jochen Klucken
Publikationsdatum
03.06.2019
Verlag
Springer Medizin
Erschienen in
Zeitschrift für Gerontologie und Geriatrie / Ausgabe 4/2019
Print ISSN: 0948-6704
Elektronische ISSN: 1435-1269
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00391-019-01561-z

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