Gait disorders: search for multiple causes.
Gait disorders predict functional decline in older adults. They are often the result of multiple causes, so a full assessment should consider different sensorimotor levels and should include a focused physical examination and evaluation of functional performance. Exercise and medical and surgical interventions are effective and can reduce the degree of gait disorder, but usually not without some residual impairment. Orthoses and mobility aids are also important interventions to consider.
Alexander
Neil B
NB
Institute of Gerontology, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0926, USA. nalexand@umich.edu
Goldberg
Allon
A
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000150:complications; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000150:complications; D014481:United States