What is the gait disturbance seen after age 60?

Emphasizing that Adams Judge Syndrome, also known as Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, can be confused with chronic dementia diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, Brain and Nerve Surgery (Neurosurgery) Specialist Op. Dr Güngör Usta said: “The possibility of Adams Judge syndrome, a chronic type of hydrocephalus, should also be considered, especially when there are complaints of gait disturbance, urinary incontinence and forgetfulness after the age of 60.”

Brain and Nerve Surgery (Neurosurgery) Specialist Op. Dr. Güngör Usta made statements about Adams Judge Syndrome (Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus). Stating that as age progresses, a number of neurological diseases can occur that negatively affect the person’s activities and daily performance, Op. Dr Usta said Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and cerebral vascular occlusion diseases, which are monitored and treated by neurologists, are the most well known.

Claiming that another disease with symptoms similar to chronic dementia diseases is Adams Judge Syndrome, also known as Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Op. Dr Usta said: “This disease is a form of chronic hydrocephalus that manifests with gait disturbances, urinary incontinence and forgetfulness, especially after the age of 60. We can define hydrocephalus as an increase in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure ), which is produced physiologically and circulates in the cerebral cavities.The incidence of the disease in people over 60 is between 0.3% and 3%.

“There is a shortening of stride length”

Saying that the most obvious complaint of patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus is the progressive deterioration of their gait, Op. Dr Usta said: “Steps become shorter and unbalanced and an unsafe gait develops. Urinary tract problems (such as not being able to urinate, incontinence) can also occur. A gradual weakening is observed in memory functions.
Speaking of the diagnosis process, Op. Dr. The Master shared the following information:

“In patients with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, it is very important that the diagnosis is made as a result of a joint evaluation by neurology and neurosurgery physicians. Because, as we mentioned earlier, the disease can often be confused with other chronic dementia diseases. A lumbar puncture is performed on the patient, along with routine blood tests, brain and spinal imaging, for diagnosis. Observing an improvement in the patient’s walking and especially turning after an average of 15-20 cc of water reinforces the diagnosis. For the decision to operate, it is sufficient to see that the patient has benefited by performing the puncture process on an average of 3 consecutive days.”

“Treatment takes 45 minutes”

Explanation of the treatment options, Op. Dr Usta said: “Surgical treatment employs the Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt System, which allows the excess water accumulated in the brain to be transferred to the abdominal cavity in a closed system. The shunt system is placed in the body with an operation that takes an average of 45 minutes under general anesthesia. We recommend that patients over 60 years of age consult a neurosurgeon without delay, especially in case of gait disturbance, urinary incontinence and impairment of intellectual functions.