Most Common Diseases in the Elderly

Many older adults develop one or more chronic health conditions that impact their quality of life. This includes a range of respiratory diseases like bronchitis and emphysema.

Diabetes affects the body’s blood sugar level and can cause a number of serious complications. Other age related problems include arthritis — the two most common types being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.





Heart Disease

Heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death in people 85 and older. Many of these deaths are preventable.

Heart problems include fatty deposits (plaque) in the coronary arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart. This decreases blood flow and may cause a heart attack. emergency button for elderly Problems with the heart's rhythm (arrhythmias). Defects of your heart present at birth, known as congenital heart disease.





High blood pressure (also called hypertension). It damages your blood vessels and increases your risk of stroke and heart attack.

Cancer

Cancer is a disease that occurs when cells that control growth, reproduction and cell death grow out of control and form tumors. These tumors can then spread to other parts of the body. There are several different types of cancer, including carcinomas which start in the skin and tissues that line internal organs, sarcomas that develop in the connective tissue, and leukemias that begin in the blood cells.

Chronic lower respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema also affect many seniors. These conditions can be prevented with proper diet, regular exercise and smoking cessation. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is another condition that is more common in older adults. High blood pressure can be prevented with proper diet, regular exercise, reducing salt intake and keeping to a healthy weight.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Many elderly people develop age related diseases due to normal changes in their bodies. Hypertension, for example, is a common problem that can lead to serious heart conditions. Arthritis – a joint condition that causes pain and swelling – is also more prevalent in seniors. It’s important to recognise symptoms of arthritis, such as itching or lesions, and seek treatment. High blood pressure can be managed with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Changes in digestion and gastrointestinal flora make older adults more susceptible to gastrointestinal infections. panic alarm button for elderly Two of the most common are Helicobacter pylori, which can cause fever, nausea and upper abdominal pain and lead to long-term illness like gastritis; and Clostridium difficile, an increasingly common infection that leads to diarrhea and occurs after antibiotic treatments suppress healthy gastrointestinal flora. Urinary tract infections – or UTIs – are also prevalent in elderly patients, particularly those with catheters and diabetes. Sudden behavioral variations, such as confusion or dementia worsening, are common warning signs of a UTI.

Osteoporosis

A disease that weakens the bones, osteoporosis, is particularly common among older women. The disease often doesn't have symptoms until a bone fractures, usually in the hip or spine. Sometimes these fractures cause a curved spine, known as a dowager's hump, which can make breathing difficult.

Bone loss happens faster as you get older. Thin-boned men and women have a greater risk for osteoporosis than those with larger bones. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

High blood pressure, another condition that often doesn't have symptoms, can clog arteries with bad fats and lead to heart disease. It's important for seniors to get their blood pressure checked regularly. A lack of exercise and a poor diet can also increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia inflames the air sacs lining the lungs and causes pus to form, reducing how much oxygen passes through the blood. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Seniors are more susceptible to pneumonia due to age-related changes, pre-existing conditions like heart disease and weakened immune systems.

Seniors should seek medical care immediately if they show symptoms of pneumonia. Symptoms include fever, cough, headache and muscle pain. If untreated, pneumonia can lead to worsening complications including lung abscesses and pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs). A bronchoscopy may be required to diagnose pneumonia by inserting a tube through the mouth. Treatment options include prescription medication and breathing support like oxygen therapy. A lung biopsy is rarely needed but can be useful to identify the cause of pneumonia.