What are the most common nerve disorders in old age and how can they be treated?
July 15, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Erika Stolzheim
Dear Neurologist,
My name is Lucas Jung and I am reaching out to you because I am very concerned about my health. I am 65 years old and recently I have noticed that my nerves are not functioning as they used to. I have difficulty gripping objects, my coordination is impaired, and I feel a constant tingling sensation in my hands and feet. These symptoms are causing me great anxiety and I wonder if it could be a nerve disease.
I have heard that nerve diseases become more common as we age. Could you please explain to me more about the most common nerve diseases in older adults and how they can be treated? I would like to know if my symptoms could indicate a specific disease and what treatment options are available to alleviate my discomfort.
I hope that you can help me with your expertise and provide me with some information and advice. I am concerned about my health and would like to know what I can do to improve my quality of life. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Lucas Jung
Dear Lucas Jung,
Thank you for reaching out to me with your health concerns. Your symptoms are indeed concerning and it is important to take them seriously. It is understandable that you are worried about possible neurological diseases, especially at the age of 65.
At your age, the most common neurological diseases are of a neurodegenerative nature. These include diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and peripheral neuropathy. These conditions can lead to a variety of symptoms, including muscle weakness, coordination problems, numbness, tingling, and difficulty gripping objects, similar to your complaints.
The treatment of neurological diseases in older age depends on the specific diagnosis. In some cases, medication may be used to alleviate symptoms, while in other cases physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or even surgical interventions may be necessary. It is important for you to see a neurologist who can conduct a thorough examination and make an accurate diagnosis.
Regarding your symptoms, it is possible that they may indicate peripheral neuropathy. This condition affects nerves outside the brain and spinal cord and can be triggered by various factors such as diabetes, vitamin deficiency, or toxin exposure. Treatment aims to address the underlying cause of the neuropathy and alleviate symptoms.
I strongly recommend that you schedule an appointment with a neurologist to have your symptoms evaluated. The neurologist can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and create an individualized treatment plan to alleviate your complaints and improve your quality of life.
Thank you for contacting me and I hope that my information is helpful to you. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or need additional support.
Best regards,
Erika Stolzheim, Neurologist
