Obesity, Stroke, Cancer, and Incontinence are just some of the common health problems that affect older adults. But the best way to keep older people healthy is to prevent or identify these issues early. This is critical because even the simplest symptoms can quickly become more severe or even incapacitating. Even if you haven’t seen your loved one in years, there are ways to spot early warning signs.
Obesity
In addition to its effects on physical fitness, obesity can also cause cognitive problems reported by wilmacliving.com. Obese elderly individuals have trouble doing activities of daily living, such as walking very far or going shopping. In addition, obese older adults have elevated blood pressure and are more likely to develop other chronic diseases, such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Hence, the health consequences of obesity in older people cannot be ignored.
Stroke
Among elderly people, stroke is a serious problem. The most common type is ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot lodges in the brain and blocks blood flow. The clot can come from the bloodstream or be lodged in the brain itself. In either case, a person is at high risk for a stroke. The signs and symptoms of both types may be the same.
Cancer
While most cancers affect older adults, there are some particular concerns when it comes to treatment of cancer in elderly individuals. In addition to advancing age, older adults usually have other health problems, which may affect their treatment options and the side effects of the cancer treatments. Some of these issues may not be as severe for older patients as for younger patients, including limited mobility, difficulty taking care of themselves, and financial issues related to medical costs.
Incontinence
Many older adults are plagued by incontinence, but it is not an inescapable condition. The urge to urinate can come on suddenly, and older adults often find themselves unable to get to the bathroom in time. A physician can diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) and recommend treatment that will resolve the issue. Incontinence is one of the most common health problems of older adults, and treatment is available.
Dementia
If you suspect that your aging parent or loved one has symptoms of dementia, you should consult a doctor to find out if there is a underlying cause. The doctor can order a variety of tests to rule out other conditions and illnesses, such as an underactive thyroid or vitamin deficiency. Cerebrospinal fluid tests can rule out autoimmune diseases and dementia. Other tests may include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. These tests use radio frequencies and magnets to scan the brain. If you suspect your loved one has dementia, you should discuss the possibility of genetic testing.
Substance abuse
Despite the fact that it affects 15% of the elderly population, substance abuse is often overlooked by primary care physicians. While many providers refuse to acknowledge the seriousness of substance abuse in the elderly, others view the treatment process as merely a necessary evil. The question of why people should change as they age was addressed by Dr. Oslin. He responded that substance abuse can affect people of any age, even people who are no longer young.
Memory problems
One of the most annoying elderly health issues is memory loss. Despite the best of intentions, memory problems can cause frustration. If you suspect your elderly loved one may be suffering from dementia, you should visit their doctor right away. Besides the fact that they can be frustrating, dementia symptoms make coping with daily tasks even more difficult. Fortunately, there are several ways to treat memory loss and help your loved one maintain their independence and mental health.
Falls
Falling is one of the most common health issues faced by the elderly. Each year, more than 37 million people experience a fall and need medical care. Of those, 424,000 fall and cause injury or death. Prevention is crucial to avoid these tragedies. Fortunately, many falls and injuries can be prevented, but some behaviors must be changed to reduce the risk of falling. This article will discuss several ways that fall prevention can improve the quality of life for older adults.