Age-Related peripheral vestibular dysfunction: A review

Abstract

Age-related peripheral vestibular dysfunction is usually associated with an imbalance that has a major impact on morbidity, mortality, and health-care resources. Age-related vestibular hypofunction has been shown to correlate with the age-related reduction in the number of vestibular hair cells and neurons. Progressive disequilibrium of aging is a complex and multifactorial condition leading to dizziness and a higher chance of risk of falls. The stability of the posture and gaze during standing and walking is maintained by the processing of vestibular, visual, and somatosensory inputs in the central nervous systems, followed by outputs to the musculoskeletal and visual systems. Every component in this stem deteriorates as the age increases or in the aging process. Vestibular rehabilitation is an effective treatment option for both unilateral and bilateral vestibular dysfunction in the elderly age group. There are different prosthetic devices developed to enhance the postural balance in the older person. Although there is no definitive medical treatment available for age-related peripheral vestibular dysfunction, new medical treatments such as mitochondrial antioxidants or caloric restriction which have been useful for preventing age-related hearing impairment should be investigated in the future for treating age-related peripheral vestibular dysfunction.