The United States is experiencing a significant demographic shift with a rapidly growing elderly population. Projections indicate that the number of individuals aged 85 and over will triple by 2050. This surge underscores the increasing importance of preparedness within families and the healthcare system to effectively address the unique health needs of aging individuals and promote healthy aging.
While certain age-related changes like minor vision and hearing decline, elevated blood pressure, muscle weakness, or a less robust immune system are common, they are not the only health concerns facing seniors. It’s crucial to distinguish between typical aging and health problems that require medical intervention. Chronic conditions affecting kidney function, leading to cognitive decline, or diminishing an elderly person’s quality of life necessitate specialized geriatric care.
Geriatric Diseases: Specialized Care for Seniors
Geriatric medicine is a specialized field focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of health conditions that are more prevalent in older adults. Treating elderly patients is distinct from treating younger adults due to several factors. These include polypharmacy (managing multiple medications), symptoms that may present vaguely, and the complexity of attributing symptoms when multiple health conditions coexist.
Elderly individuals are also more susceptible to developing specific age-related diseases not typically seen in younger populations. While conditions like high blood pressure can affect all age groups, diseases such as cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, urinary incontinence, vascular dementia, multiple sclerosis, and others are significantly more common diagnoses for elderly individuals.
Examples of Common Chronic Diseases in the Elderly
This list, while not exhaustive, highlights some of the more frequently diagnosed chronic diseases in older adults:
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Parkinson’s Disease
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Stroke
Arthritis: Joint Pain and Inflammation
Arthritis stands as one of the most prevalent age-related conditions affecting the elderly. It is characterized by joint pain and chronic inflammation. The two primary types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the more common type, arises from the gradual wear and tear of joint cartilage over time. Rheumatoid arthritis, conversely, is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints.
While there is no definitive cure for arthritis, its symptoms can be effectively managed. Treatment strategies often include pain relievers and corticosteroids. Common symptoms of arthritis include:
- Pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the joints
- Inflammation and swelling around affected joints
- Limited range of motion or restricted movement in joints
Cancer: Uncontrolled Cell Growth
Cancer, encompassing over 200 different forms, including common types like prostate, breast, and lung cancer, is a significant health concern for older people. Cancer develops when cells in the body replicate abnormally and rapidly, forming tumors that can spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body.
Early cancer detection is critical for successful treatment. While cures exist for many cancers, cancer treatment itself can be physically demanding and invasive. Regular cancer screenings are highly recommended for early identification. Be aware of these common signs and symptoms of cancer:
- The appearance of an unusual lump or mass
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood present in stool, urine, vomit, or when coughing
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Impaired Kidney Function
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can stem from kidney infections, kidney inflammation, high blood pressure, and diabetes. CKD damages the kidneys and can progress to kidney failure. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for CKD. A significant challenge with CKD is that early symptoms are often absent. The condition is frequently detected incidentally through urine tests conducted for other medical reasons.
Elderly individuals should be vigilant in reporting later-stage symptoms of CKD to their healthcare provider promptly. These symptoms include:
- Blood in the urine
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the ankles, hands, or feet (edema)
- Persistent fatigue or a general feeling of being unwell
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Lung Conditions
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a group of progressive lung diseases, with chronic bronchitis being a well-known example. Bronchitis involves lung and airway infection and inflammation, leading to excessive mucus buildup. The body attempts to clear this mucus through coughing.
Smoking is a major risk factor for developing chronic bronchitis and COPD. Quitting smoking is the most effective step to manage and improve COPD. Maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate rest, staying hydrated, and managing headaches are also important aspects of care.
Symptoms of bronchitis and COPD may include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fatigue and weakness
- A persistent cough, often producing mucus
- Headaches
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- Sore throat
Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Parkinson’s Disease: Cognitive Decline
Dementia is an umbrella term describing a syndrome, or group of related symptoms, that indicates cognitive decline in older adults, affecting memory and thinking skills. Dementia arises from damage to brain cells or disruptions in communication between brain cells, leading to cell death. Symptoms of dementia can vary but commonly include:
- Memory loss, particularly short-term memory
- Difficulty with verbal communication and finding words
- Challenges with visual and spatial abilities
- Problems with reasoning and problem-solving
- Difficulties managing complex tasks, planning, and organization
- Decline in motor coordination and movement
- Confusion and disorientation
- Personality and mood changes
- Inappropriate or uncharacteristic behavior
- Depression, anxiety, paranoia, and agitation
- Hallucinations
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common specific type of dementia, accounting for up to 70% of dementia cases. It is characterized by abnormal protein deposits in the brain. Alzheimer’s symptoms include:
- Difficulty remembering details about people, places, and recent events
- Concentration problems
- Personality changes such as increased suspicion, aggression, or withdrawal
- Apathy and depression
- Mood swings
- Confusion, especially in the later stages
- Impaired judgment and decision-making
- Difficulty with speaking, swallowing, and walking in advanced stages
Parkinson’s disease is another neurodegenerative type of dementia. This progressive disease results from the loss of nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for motor control and cognitive function. While there is currently no cure, treatments are available to manage symptoms. Key symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:
- Tremors or involuntary shaking, often starting in a hand or finger
- Muscle stiffness and rigidity
- Slowed movement (bradykinesia)
Diabetes: Blood Sugar Regulation Issues
Diabetes can develop at any age, including middle age and even younger, but it is most frequently diagnosed in older adults and requires lifelong management. Diabetes occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form of diabetes. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas may not produce sufficient insulin, or the body becomes resistant to insulin. Lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, including:
- Adopting a healthy dietary pattern
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Engaging in regular physical exercise
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes accounts for approximately 10% of all diabetes cases.
Osteoporosis: Bone Density Loss
Osteoporosis is a common condition in elderly individuals characterized by reduced bone density, making bones weak and brittle and increasing fracture risk. Osteoporosis often progresses silently without symptoms until a fall or minor injury results in a bone fracture. While some bone density loss is a natural part of aging, individuals with osteoporosis experience this loss at an accelerated rate.
Osteoporosis can be managed through medication and supplements like calcium and vitamin D to strengthen bones. Weight-bearing exercises and muscle-strengthening exercises are also beneficial in managing osteoporosis and improving bone health in older adults.
Stroke: Disruption of Blood Flow to the Brain
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to brain cell damage, permanent disability, and can be life-threatening. Strokes are common diagnoses for elderly adults, making it crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms for prompt medical intervention. The acronym FAST is a helpful tool to remember the warning signs of stroke:
- Face: Is one side of the face drooping or uneven?
- Arms: Can the person raise both arms equally, or is one arm weak or drifting down?
- Speech: Is their speech slurred or difficult to understand?
- Time: If any of these signs are present, time is critical. Call for emergency medical help immediately.
Managing Chronic Illness in Elderly Patients
Chronic diseases are persistent and often lifelong conditions requiring ongoing management. Elderly adults, especially those managing multiple chronic conditions, benefit greatly from a chronic care management team. This team can help them achieve their health goals and maintain the best possible quality of life.
As the elderly population grows and experiences more age-related health changes, geriatric medicine and comprehensive elder care will become increasingly vital. Home healthcare services, combined with a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and regular exercise, and consistent communication with healthcare professionals, are essential for preventing health decline and promoting well-being in older adults.
Keystone Health is dedicated to supporting elderly patients in Idaho through services like house calls and personalized care. Discover more about our approach and how we can assist in maintaining quality of life throughout the aging journey.
