The prevalence, predictors, and consequences of peripheral sensory neuropathy in older patients.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence, predictors, and consequences of peripheral neuropathy in the elderly have not been well defined.


METHODS
Seven hundred ninety-five noninstitutionalized patients 65 years of age and older, recruited from the practices of family physicians, completed questionnaires and underwent peripheral neurologic examinations and tests of gait and balance. Variables included sociodemographic information, medical conditions, symptoms (numbness, pain, trouble with balance or walking, and restless legs), quality of life measures, ankle reflexes, position sense, vibratory sense, fine touch sensation, Tinnetti balance examination, and a 50-foot timed walk.


RESULTS
The prevalence of at least one bilateral sensory deficit rose from 26% for 65- to 74-year-olds to 54% for those 85 and older. The most common deficit was loss of ankle reflex followed by loss of fine touch. Only 40% of those with bilateral deficits reported having a disease known to cause peripheral neuropathy. Predictors of bilateral deficits included increasing age, income less than 15,000 dollars, a history of military service, increasing body mass index, self-reported history of diabetes mellitus, Vitamin B12 deficiency or rheumatoid arthritis, and absence of a history of hypertension. Deficits were associated with numbness, pain, restless legs, trouble walking, trouble with balance, and reduced quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
Peripheral sensory deficits are common in the elderly. In most cases, a medical cause is not obvious. Their consequences may not be as benign as often supposed.
Mold
James W
JW
Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73104, USA. james-mold@ouhsc.edu
Vesely
Sara K
SK
Keyl
Barbara A
BA
Schenk
Joan B
JB
Roberts
Michelle
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000842:Ankle / Q000502:physiology; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000453:epidemiology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003710:Demography; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011434:Proprioception / Q000502:physiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014110:Touch; D014732:Vibration; D014806:Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / Q000453:epidemiology