Of all the nerve: neurological symptoms to get checked out

There are more than 600 known neurological disorders, but the most common are neurodegenerative diseases like stroke and migraine, as well as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, and other motor neuron conditions that affect more than 7 million Americas. In addition, around 20% to 30% of people with diabetes contend with diabetic neuropathy. According to a major study in Lancet Neurology, neurological conditions are the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide.

But diagnosis can be tricky -- and treatments are most effective when used early in the development of symptoms. So, here are some potential indicators of neurological problems that you don't want to ignore:

-- Muscle stiffness or tremors

-- Persistent headaches or vision changes

-- Numbness or tingling

-- Lack of balance

-- Slurred speech or cognitive changes, seizures

Protection from neurological diseases comes from a healthy sleep routine; chronic stress management; control of blood pressure and blood sugar; staying mentally active and socially connected; eating salmon, leafy greens (they contain folate), nuts and seeds (they fight inflammation) and 100% whole grains; and getting 150-300 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise weekly.

Treatments are becoming ever-more effective -- but are still often hit or miss. However, therapeutic plasma exchange is used to treat Guillain-Barre syndrome and myasthenia gravis, and in randomized, controlled clinical trials to reverse cognitive dysfunction in early Alzheimer's disease and long COVID-19. It's also being researched in a wide range of other neurological disorders -- see the summary at LifespanEdge.com.

For more insights into the prevention and control of neurological disorders, check out my book, "The Great Age Reboot."

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.

(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.


(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.