What Causes Balance Issues in Older Adults

What Causes You To Lose Balance As You Age?

There are various reasons and certain health conditions that can result in loss of balance. They are:

1. Medication: Certain medications can make you experience dizziness as a side-effect which can worsen your condition. It is best to talk to your doctor before starting a new medication. If you’re taking a medicine for high blood pressure, it may make you lose your balance if your blood pressure gets too low.

2. Sudden changes to your Blood pressure: If you stand up too quickly or make a sudden movement, it causes your blood pressure to drop. If this happens, you may lose your balance for a moment and recover quickly. Symptoms usually fade as your blood pressure returns to normal.

3. Lack of circulation: As you age, your body isn’t as efficient at pumping blood as it used to be which slows your overall circulation. Because of this, oxygen doesn’t travel as quickly to your brain, muscles, and organs which may cause sensations of balance loss every once in a while.

4. Low Blood sugar: If you have diabetes that is controlled by insulin, dizziness occurs when your blood sugar drops suddenly. You may also sweat or feel suddenly anxious.

5. Low iron level: If you regularly have low iron levels, you may be anemic which may make you feel weak and affect your balance system.

6. Alcohol consumption: Intake of alcohol can cause dizziness in older people and result in body imbalance.

7. Neurological conditions: There are certain neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease, ataxia, and spinal cord disorders where you have a greater risk of losing your balance. If your doctor suspects a more serious health condition, they will pursue a diagnosis and treatment to address your balance issues.

8. Joint and muscle problems: Disease like arthritis, gout, and joint pain restricts the body movement which makes an older adult more unstable and vulnerable to losing their balance.

9. Inner Ear problem: Your inner ear helps with your sense of balance. Issues with your inner ear can lead to you losing your balance frequently if the condition is not addressed. There may be other factors contributing to vertigo, like vision impairment.

10. Vision problem: Weak eyesight, cataract, and glaucoma are few vision problems experienced in old age which makes loss of balance more common among older adults.

Conclusion

As you age, balance issues are more common. Watch out for above listed causes and consult a doctor immediately if you are experiencing frequent loss of balance.

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Source: Webmd, NIA, healthinaging.org

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on January 03, 2023