Understanding Neuropathy: Why Nerve Damage Isn’t a Normal Part of Aging

​Heraclitus said it best: “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man” (via BrainyQuote). In other words, life is in a constant state of flux, and nowhere is this more evident than in the aging process. There are many things we must learn to accept as we get older. Fortunately, peripheral neuropathy doesn’t have to be one of them.

Instead of getting comfortable being uncomfortable, it’s time to help your patients get proactive. Here’s what they need to know about aging versus the red flags of neuropathy. 

Peripheral Neuropathy vs. Normal Aging

As we age, specific changes take place. Typical signs of aging include drier, less supple skin. Many people experience increased difficulty hearing and seeing, and bones get more brittle. 

People experience issues with mobility and staying strong, known as sarcopenia or age-related muscle loss, as they grow older. And the heart must work harder as arteries and blood vessels stiffen, increasing resistance to healthy circulation. Some of these physiological developments prove unavoidable. That said, healthy eating habits and regular exercise can slow their progression.

Read More