Dizziness in elderly can be caused by various factors, including peripheral vestibular dysfunction, which is one of the most frequent causes. Here are some other causes of dizziness in elderly:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This is the most common cause of dizziness in the elderly. BPPV is caused when the calcium carbonate crystals in the otolithic organs of the inner ear are dislodged from the gelatinous membrane that normally holds them in place. When these crystals become free-floating, they can erroneously activate the hair cells in the semicircular canal, resulting in a brief, and often intense sensation of vertigo when you change position of the head or body.

• Progressive degeneration of the spine: This is the second most common cause of dizziness in older adults, particularly the cervical spine or neck. When the neck becomes degenerated due to the natural course of aging and/or due to arthritis, it does not move as easily and can send error messages to the brain about the position of the head.

• Changes in blood pressure: As you age, your heart isn’t as effective at pumping blood through your body. If you stand up too quickly, your blood pressure may suddenly drop. If a change in your blood pressure is the cause of dizziness, it shouldn’t last longer than a couple of minutes. Once your blood pressure returns to normal, your dizziness fades.

• Poor circulation: When your body pumps less blood through your veins, it decreases the oxygen that travels through your body as well. With less oxygen in your brain and inner ear, you may feel sensations of dizziness.

• Neurological conditions: Some neurological disorders such as Parkinsons disease and multiple sclerosis can cause dizziness.

• Medications: Certain medications like anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants, sedatives, and tranquilizers can cause dizziness as a side effect.

• Anxiety: Anxiety is a fairly common problem among the aging population and can cause dizziness.

Its important to note that dizziness can be a symptom of other health conditions common with old age, and falls are the number one cause of hospital admissions and accidental death in older adults. If you are experiencing dizziness, its important to talk to your doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.