Effect of aging on the otolith-ocular reflex

J Vestib Res. 2001;11(2):91-103.

Abstract

We assessed the influence of age on the otolith-ocular reflex and semicircular canal-otolith interaction. Healthy young (n=30) and healthy older (n=60) subjects were rotated about an earth vertical axis, and about a 30 degree off-vertical axis. Eye movements during and following rotation were recorded using electro-oculography. Results indicated that there were statistically significant changes in the otolith-ocular reflex and semicircular canal-otolith interaction as a function of age. The modulation component during off-vertical axis rotation (OVAR) was greater in the older group compard to the young adults, whereas the bias component was smaller with advanced age. The foreshortening of the vestibulo-ocular reflex time constant induced by post-rotatory head tilt following cessation of rotation was less prominent in the older group. There were no consistent changes in the semicircular canal-ocular reflex. Overall, response parameters showed more variability in the older subjects. We conclude that age related changes in the otolith-ocular reflex and semicircular canal-otolith interaction are a result primarily of a degradation of central vestibular processing of otolith signals rather than a decline of peripheral vestibular function.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Female
  • Head-Down Tilt
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Biological
  • Otolithic Membrane / physiology*
  • Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular / physiology*
  • Rotation
  • Semicircular Canals / physiology