Elderly Illnesses
About Elderly Illnesses
Older adults are prone to a variety of age-related health conditions and diseases that younger people don’t normally experience. Some common ailments include high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, urinary incontinence, and dementia.
Some elderly illnesses can be serious. medical alarms nz One of the most serious is Alzheimer’s disease, which accounted for 92,604 deaths of people over 65 in 2014. This condition affects memory and thinking abilities.
In the early stages of this condition, your loved one may be confused, forgetful, or listless. They may also become depressed or withdrawn.
elderly gps tracker If your loved one is stricken with this illness, it’s crucial to have a complete medical history. This information can help doctors spot any underlying problems and provide better treatment.
Other factors to consider are medications and supplements. Getting enough vitamins and minerals, like vitamin B-6 and vitamin B-12, can prevent dementia-like symptoms.
Chronic respiratory disorders such as asthma and emphysema are another major health concern for older adults. According to the CDC, one in seven adults 65 and older has asthma and about 10 percent have emphysema.
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bone loss and can lead to fractures. This problem is more common in women than men, but it’s treatable with medication and diet.
Managing chronic diseases requires more frequent attention than treating acute medical conditions. For this reason, it’s important to have a chronic care management team in place. They can help keep you on track, ensure your medications are taken as directed, and offer a wide range of resources.