[Gait disorders in the elderly].

Gait disorders are one of the most common gerontoneurological symptoms. Falls that occasionally cause severe injuries are highly relevant consequences. A clinical neurological examination and inspectoral gait analysis are the core investigations of the diagnostic process, which yields hypotheses with respect to the impaired structures as well as to specific diagnostic measures. The supplemental motor assessment quantifies the resulting impairment of mobility and risk of falling with the help of well-established instruments. Characteristic of gait disorders in the elderly are the multifactorial causes which make the complete identification, correct prioritization and adequate treatment the biggest challenges. The therapeutic concept is multiprofessional and includes the causal treatment of underlying diseases, physiotherapeutic training programs, prescription of medical aids and nutritional interventions. Identification and modification of risk factors (including those that are iatrogenic) are of superior importance.