MOTOR SYSTEM CHANGES IN THE AGING BRAIN - WHAT IS NORMAL AND WHAT IS NOT

Age-related changes in the nervous system may present with physical si gns that are not unlike early manifestations of several clinical disor ders. Gait disturbances (immobility), balance difficulties (instabilit y), and certain motor control problems tie, tremor) are not necessaril y signs of a disease state. The clinician needs to be reminded that mo st I physiologic functions decline at a rate of 1% per year, beginning at age 30 Often compounding ''natural'' decline are the motor problem s related to disuse. This is especially true for the inactive individu al suffering from depression, cardiac or pulmonary insufficiency, pain ful joint and muscle conditions, substance abuse and, sometimes, simpl y social isolation.