Diseases that Result in Disability in Adults

The common types of disabilities in adults are those of the locomotor system which affects mobility, those affecting activities of daily living (ADL), hearing and sight. These disabilities may be caused by a variety of diseases. Diseases of musculoskeletal, neurological, eye, ear, and psychiatric origin, as well as cancers, may lead to impairments which when severe lead to disability in mobility as well as in performing essential self-care activities. Important impairments to consider with regards to mobility and dependency are lower and upper extremity impairments, visual/ hearing impairment, affective disorders and poor balance. Ambulation is not only affected by impairments to lower limb but also by compromised cardiopulmonary status.