Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's is a degenerative brain disease affecting as many as 50% of people over the age of 85. The disease is characterized by a gradual deterioration of memory, reasoning, language and physical functioning. The disease is progressive in its development so early symptoms are often overlooked.

Symptoms are gradual and usually include the following:

For more information on Alzheimer's disease and dementia consult the Alzheimer's Association web site

Top

Arthritis

Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that effects approximately 70% of the elderly. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA). OA is characterized by the breakdown of the joints cartilage. Cartilage breakdown causes bones to rub against each other resulting in pain and loss of movement. Symptoms often include painful swelling and stiffness in the affected joint. Treatment of osteoarthritis focuses on decreasing pain and improving joint movement, and may include:

For more information on arthritis visit the Arthritis Foundation web site.

Top

Chronic Pain

Acute pain is a normal sensation triggered in the central nervous system to alert the body to possible injury or harm. Chronic pain differs from acute pain in that it is persistent. Pain signals keep firing in the nervous system for weeks, months, even years. Chronic pain may follow either an initial injury or condition such as a sprained back or ear infection or a constant cause of pain such as arthritis or cancer. Some people, however, suffer chronic pain in the absence of any past injury or evidence of bodily damage. Chronic pain affects 86 million Americans, many of them older adults. Common symptoms include headache, low back pain, cancer pain, arthritis pain, neurogenic pain (pain resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves or to the central nervous system itself) and psychogenic pain (pain not associated with any past disease, injury or bodily damage).

For more information on chronic pain and treatment, visit the American Chronic Pain Association.

Top

Congestive Heart Failure

In congestive heart failure, the heart fails to pump an adequate volume of blood causing blood to accumulate in the veins leading to the heart. In order to compensate for the lack of blood supply to the organs, the kidneys begin to retain salt and water, thus increasing the volume of blood. The pressure caused by the increase blood volume forces fluid into surrounding tissues. This fluid causes "congestion" in the organs and tissues such as the lungs, liver, legs, and ankles. Symptoms of congestive heart failure include: breathlessness, swelling, fatigue, loss of appetite and confusion. Congestive heart failure is typically treated with medication and life style changes including a low-sodium diet.

For more information on congestive heart failure visit the American Heart Association website.

Top

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disorder in which the airways are persistently obstructed due to emphysema or chronic bronchitis. COPD occurs primarily in the elderly with 95% of deaths occurring in people over the age of 55. It affects men more often than women and is more fatal in men. Cigarette smoking is the primary cause of COPD. Symptoms include cough and shortness of breath which worsens as the disease progresses. Treatment includes medication and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to airborne irritants. People suffering from COPD should also receive an influenza vaccination every year to avoid contracting the flu.

For more information on COPD, visit the Geriatric Services of America website.

Top

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas either stops producing insulin or does not produce enough of the hormone to regulate the body's blood sugar. Adult onset diabetes, also known as Type II diabetes, usually affects people over the age of 40. The disease becomes increasingly common with age affecting nearly 11% of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74. People with diabetes run a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis and experiencing strokes, heart attacks and high blood pressure. Diabetics also run the risk of developing complications such as diabetic retinopathy, an eye disorder, peripheral neuropathy, a nerve disease, and chronic kidney failure.

For more information on diabetes visit the American Diabetes Association web site.

Top

Depression

Depression among the elderly is very common. It is often mistaken, however, for other conditions such as Alzheimer's disease that share like symptoms such as episodes of confusion and forgetfulness. Other symptoms of depression include an overriding sense of sadness, becoming apathetic or withdrawn, difficulty concentrating, and loss of interest in daily activities. Symptoms of depression can have physical manifestations as well such as indigestion, insomnia, constipation, weight loss, and headaches. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and may include medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both.

For more information on depression, visit The Nation's Voice on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Top

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by progressive loss of bone mass. In osteoporosis, breakdown of old bone tissue occurs faster than replacement of new tissue causing the bones to become soft and weak. The disease affects both men and women, however, the condition is more prevalent in postmenopausal women. Although there are generally no symptoms experienced with osteoporosis, bones weakened by the condition are much more likely to break resulting in wrist, hip and vertebrae fractures.

For more information on osteoporosis visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation website.

Top

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system affecting over 1 million people in the United States. Although the disease can occur in younger people, the incidence is considerably higher in individuals over the age of 50. The disease is caused by the degenerations of neurons in the brain, resulting in decreased dopamine availability. The characteristic symptoms of moderate Parkinson's Disease include:

For more information on Parkinson's Disease, consult the Healthline Parkinson's Disease Learning Center website.

Top

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It's typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden. In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums; painful chewing problems; and even tooth loss. Signs & symptoms of periodontal disease include:

For more information on Periodontal Disease, visit the The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website.

If you reside in a senior living facility, Transcend Dental Clinics, PLLC (TDC) delivers quality dental care to the residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities without having to visit an offsite office.

Top

Stroke

A stroke occurs when an area of the brain is damaged because its blood supply is disrupted. The lack of blood to the brain results from a vascular disorder such as a cerebral thrombosis, embolism or hemorrhage. The signs and symptoms of stoke can include inability to speak or move part of the body, headache, numbness, blurred or double vision, confusion, and dizziness. Strokes are particularly prevalent in the elderly. Most stroke victims are over the age of 65, suffer from atherosclerosis, and have high blood pressure.

For more information on strokes visit the American Stroke Association website.

Top

ElderOp is not affiliated with the organizations listed on this page or responsible for their service. Our goal is to present quality options. Choosing the right one is a personal decision between you and your healthcare provider.

Provider News | Contact Us | Privacy Policy

© ElderOp 2005 All Rights Reserved. Design by Mosaic Services