Presbyvertigo-aging of otoconia and vestibular sensory cells

Abstract

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.