What is the Most Common Disease in the Elderly

Anyone can misplace their wallet or keys, but people with dementia may do so frequently and without apparent reason. They might also show sudden changes in mood.

High blood pressure is a common problem in the elderly that affects how much blood your heart pumps and how narrow your arteries are. It increases your risk of serious health conditions like stroke and heart disease.

Osteoarthritis





Often called wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis is a chronic (long-term) joint disease. It occurs when the smooth layer of cartilage that covers the ends of bones where they meet to form a joint breaks down. This causes the bones within the joint to rub together, causing pain and stiffness.

The bone ends may also thicken and form bony growths, or spurs, that interfere with movement of the joint. Loose bits of cartilage may float in the joint and make a crackling sound (crepitus).

The condition can be treated with exercise, taking certain medications that ease pain, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs, and avoiding activities that cause pain. Surgery is an option for some people with severe pain in the knees, hips, ankles, wrists, fingers or spine.

Respiratory diseases

Besides lung cancer, respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and lung infection from tuberculosis are some of the most common diseases in the elderly. These conditions can be fatal, especially if they are untreated and left to worsen.

Due to the deteriorating immune system, elderly adults become more susceptible to developing respiratory infections like pneumonia and influenza. Annual flu and pneumonia vaccinations are a must for all seniors.

Cardiovascular diseases like heart disease and high blood pressure also affect a lot of older adults. But, these are preventable by staying physically active and maintaining a healthy diet. Regular blood tests and regular medication are important for keeping cardiovascular health in check. In addition, avoiding smoking is also a must.

Shingles

Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, the same one that causes chickenpox. It's most common in people over 50 and people with weakened immune systems, like those with cancer, HIV or organ transplants.

The first signs of shingles are pain, burning, itching or tingling that usually occurs on just one side of the body and along a specific section of skin called a dermatome. Then, a rash of red bumps or blisters develops and eventually starts to crust over within a few days.

Complications include severe pain that lasts months or years in the area where the rash healed, problems with vision (if it's near the eyes), and weakness of the muscles on the affected side of the face (herpes zoster). A vaccine called SHINGRIX is available to help prevent shingles and its complications.

Oral health problems

Poor oral health is linked to many other medical problems, including heart disease and diabetes. This is due to a combination of factors, such as an excess intake of sugar-rich foods and drinks, a lack of access to dental care, and the fact that poor oral hygiene can lead to the build-up of bacterial plaque that can damage blood vessels.

People with chronic illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis and HIV/AIDS are also at increased risk of developing dental diseases. The autoimmune disorder lupus, for example, is linked with severe gum disease and the condition can cause jaw pain and swelling.

wearable alarm for elderly This link between oral and whole-person health is why routine preventive dental care is so important. It can help reduce overall health care costs and improve quality of life for older adults.

Stroke

A stroke happens when blood stops flowing in part of the brain due to a blockage. This can lead to brain cells dying because of the lack of oxygen. A stroke is an emergency and requires immediate treatment.

Some kinds of stroke are more common in the elderly, such as an ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot that cuts off oxygen flow to brain cells. This can be caused by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or smoking.

It’s important for loved ones to know the warning signs of a stroke, including drooping on one side of the face and slurred speech. They should also be encouraged to be physically active and eat healthy meals. This can reduce their risk for stroke and other diseases.