The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy increases with age1 and the underlying etiology is diferent among different age groups. In general, manifestations of peripheral neuropathy tend to be severe in the elderly. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a significant contributor to falls, fall-related injuries, and overall impaired mobility, compounding the normal decline seen with aging.2 It also impairs activities of daily living and quality of life in the elderly.3

• 1. Verghese J, Bieri PL, Gellido C, et al. Peripheral neuropathy in young-old and old-old patients. Muscle & Nerve 2001;24(11):1476-1481.
• 2. Richardson JK, Ching C, Hurvitz EA. The relationship between electromyographically documented peripheral neuropathy and falls. J Am Geriatr Soc 1992;40(10):1008-12.
• 3. Timar B, Timar R, Gaită L, et al. The impact of diabetic neuropathy on balance and on the risk of falls in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A cross-sectional study. PLoS ONE 2016;11(4):e0154654.