Presbyvertigo-aging of otoconia and vestibular sensory cells.
Imbalance is a common clinical problem in elderly persons. Subsequently falls and fractures may occur. Age-related balance problems constitute an underestimated but prominent public health problem and a socioeconomic burden. At the histological level the peripheral vestibular system in animals and humans exhibits a variety of age-related changes. The number of otoconia in the utricule and the saccule is reduced with increasing age. Degenerated otoconia caused by aging showed distinct changes of the shape. Moreover age-related decreasing hair cell counts, lipofuscin inclusions and deformation of cilia are observed in human vestibular sensory and supporting cells. Results of vestibular function testing of age-related balance disorders still remain controversially. Regular balance training and vestibular rehabilitation results in less more falls and imbalance.
Walther
L E
LE
Department for Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany. leif.walther@web.de
Westhofen
M
M
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D006198:Hair Cells, Auditory / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D023421:Models, Animal; D010037:Otolithic Membrane / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004856:Postural Balance; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D014717:Vertigo / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014725:Vestibular Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000503:physiopathology*