Causes and Consequences of Falls in Elderly Persons

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Questions and Answers

What is the main reason for the decline in walking speed in apparently healthy elderly subjects?

  • Decrease in muscle power
  • Impaired vision
  • Change in cadence
  • Decrease in step length (correct)

In apparently healthy elderly subjects, what causes an increased reliance on vestibular afferents?

  • Impaired vision
  • Age-related body sway
  • Diminished muscle power
  • Loss of distal proprioception (correct)

What is the preferred walking speed in those aged over 80 years, according to the text?

  • 0.95 m/s (correct)
  • 1.0 m/s
  • 1.5 m/s
  • 1.3 m/s

What is the most common neurological cause of gait disorders mentioned in the text?

<p>Sensory ataxia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of cautious gait as described in the text?

<p>Cautious, worsening without visual input (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of gait disorder is characterized by unilateral extension and circumduction?

<p>Hemispastic gait (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of gait disorder is characterized by irregular, dance-like movements?

<p>Choreatic gait (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of gait disorder is characterized by weakness of foot extensors?

<p>Steppage gait (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of gait disorder is characterized by a drop of swinging leg?

<p>Waddling gait (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of gait disorder is characterized by shortened stance phase on the affected side?

<p>Antalgic gait (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is estimated to be the fifth most common cause of death in elderly persons?

<p>Inadvertent injuries (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of medication is considered an important risk factor for falls in the elderly?

<p>Sedatives (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is regarded as an important risk factor for falls in the elderly according to newer studies?

<p>Polypharmacy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a general measure recommended for the prevention of falls and fall-related injuries in the elderly?

<p>Consume excessive alcohol (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What may occur in healthy persons when there is any suspected or actual threat to balance?

<p>Shorter step length (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a phenomenological classification of falls that may assist in the etiological classification?

<p>Table 2 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is NOT associated with the 'Tripping' type of fall syndrome?

<p>Parkinson's disease (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What changes in strategies for standing and walking are induced by any suspected or actual threat to balance?

<p>Wider stance and gait base, shorter step length, and slower walking pace (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which gender is considered a risk factor for falls?

<p>Female (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do healthy persons experience when there is a suspected or actual threat to balance?

<p>Increase in fear of falling and increase in the actual risk of falling (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the clinical examination of gait?

<p>To provide an integrative overview of the function of structures involved in walking (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which parameter should be examined to assess the speed of walking during the clinical examination of gait?

<p>Step length (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of applying semiquantitative methods of gait assessment?

<p>To provide additional information for classification of a gait disorder (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the timed up and go (TUG) test designed to assess?

<p>Risk of falling in geriatric patients (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it advisable to perform the neurological examination with most of the patient’s clothes removed?

<p>To evaluate any orthopedic abnormalities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the clinical neurological examination may provide additional information for the classification of a gait disorder?

<p>Unterberger’s test (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What may require an otological or neuro-otological assessment during the clinical examination of gait?

<p>'Vestibular cause of a gait disorder' (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

'Walking backwards' is an example of a test used for which purpose during the clinical examination of gait?

<p>'Limping' (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of measuring freely chosen and maximum speed over a defined distance during semiquantitative methods of gait assessment?

<p>For diagnostic purposes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of gait speed and gait disorders in older age?

<p>They are indicative of future development of dementia. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive functions contribute to walking safely?

<p>Frontal executive functions, visuospatial perception, and attention (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does depression influence gait?

<p>It is associated with slower gait. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when elderly persons stop walking while talking?

<p>They have a significantly higher risk of falling. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do patients with dementia walk in relation to their motor and cognitive deficits?

<p>They walk too fast. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strategy do healthy persons adopt in situations where there is a risk of falling?

<p>They prioritize maintaining balance over other tasks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does cognitive functioning play in the rehabilitation of gait disorders?

<p>It may have an essential role in the rehabilitation process. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does anxiety influence gait?

<p>It leads to an overly cautious gait. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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