Healthy Foot Blog/Daily Neuropathy Nugget/Neuropathy Nugget #418 - Age As A Cause For Peripheral Neuropathy

Neuropathy Nugget #418 - Age As A Cause For Peripheral Neuropathy

Monday, January 22, 2024

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Nugget Day #418

Trivia Question❓

What percentage of individuals over the age of 65 are estimated to suffer from some form of peripheral neuropathy, and what common age-related condition often contributes to its development?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

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As I took the 3 grandchild into my arms this year, I decided that was unacceptable.  I need to aggressively improve my health so I can enjoy my kids, grandkids and hopefully even my great grandkids.  


My Big Goal: To be able to play with my grandchildren and great grandchildren the same way I played with my children...I have started a journey that will be documented on social media and on YouTube about my health journey.  You are welcome to jump in!

Peripheral neuropathy, a condition characterized by nerve damage, can have over 150 possible causes.

One often overlooked cause is age, as our nerves become more vulnerable to damage due to factors like decreased blood flow, accumulated toxic exposure, and loss of repair mechanisms.

Additionally, aging is often associated with disease processes that can damage nerves or reduce overall health.

Recognizing symptoms early and managing underlying disease processes, as well as providing proper nutrition and exercise, can help prevent or slow the progression of neuropathy in older adults.

Age can be managed and treated as a cause of peripheral neuropathy with promising results.

As you know, peripheral neuropathy is becoming a more common side-effect of age.  One of the theories is that failure of the adult stem cell may be directly correlated with the progression of age associated peripheral neuropathy.


To understand the reason for this, you need to understand the adult stem cells' primary function is to interrupt cell damage and even repair tissues.  This is no more important than with nerve damage that causes peripheral neuropathy.


As we age, however, the adult stem cell likewise ages and becomes less and less functional:


  • A teenager has approximately 1,000,000,000 circulating and activated adult stem cells.
  • By age 30 this number has dropped to 400 million (a 60% reduction).
  • By age 50 this number has dropped to 240 million (a 75% reduction).


This reduction continues and the repair of tissues slows or stops.  This leads to the aches and pains of age, but also can lead to peripheral neuropathy.  


Although stem cells can't yet be replaced and injecting stem cells are still relatively ineffective, there are simple habits like exercise, nutrition and improving overall cellular health that have been shown to improve adult stem cells and also directly improve nerve health!

Title: "Aging and Peripheral Neuropathy: A Growing Concern"

  • Synopsis: This article discusses the increasing prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in the aging population. It examines the physiological changes that occur with aging, which may predispose older adults to neuropathy. The article also offers insights into preventive measures and lifestyle modifications to manage symptoms in the elderly.

READ MORE

Title: "The Role of Diabetes in Age-Related Neuropathy"

  • Synopsis: Focusing on the correlation between diabetes and peripheral neuropathy in seniors, this article explains how long-term high blood sugar levels can damage nerves. It emphasizes the importance of diabetes management in preventing or delaying neuropathy and provides practical advice for seniors living with both conditions.

READ MORE

Title: "Effective Management Strategies for Peripheral Neuropathy in the Elderly"

  • Synopsis: This piece explores various management strategies for peripheral neuropathy in older adults, including medication, physical therapy, and alternative treatments. It highlights the challenges unique to this age group, such as increased sensitivity to certain medications and the need for tailored treatment plans.

READ MORE

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Approximately 30% of individuals over the age of 65 are estimated to have peripheral neuropathy, often contributed to by age-related diabetes.

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