All pdf BH Issue 33 Eng

DEGENERATIVE DISORDERS
Health problems of
the older person
Armed with proper knowledge about what health
changes to expect in older age, along with proper
prevention, care, and planning, older persons can
live longer and healthier lives.
As people age, tissues and organs deteriorate, causing
inevitable health problems. Knowing what to expect
and how to take action in preventing or minimizing
problems leads to overall better health in the senior years.
“We divide geriatric health problems into two major
groups,” says Dr. Lily Chaisompong, who specializes in
geriatric medicine at the New Life Healthy Aging Clinic.
“The first comprises common diseases that may be found
at the younger ages such as diabetes, high blood pressure,
heart disease, and kidney diseases, but that can become
more serious and complicated with age. The second group
comprises age-related geriatric syndromes, which can
decrease a senior’s self-care ability.
Geriatric syndromes:
1. Confusion and amnesia
Memory loss and slower thinking
come with age. However, acute
health problems such as infections,
heart, or brain conditions can
trigger mental disorientation and
confusion. Finding and treating
the underlying illnesses usually
brings the changes back to normal.
However, a more gradual and
insidious change in an older person’s
mood, behavior, or memory may signal the onset of dementia.
The warning signs of dementia include difficulty learning
or remembering new things, repeating words or questions,
the inability to perform complicated tasks, getting lost or
forgetting familiar places, no interest in socializing, speaking
less, and a change of habits.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of
dementia, but others include stroke, Parkinson’s disease,
hypothyroidism, and vitamin B12 deficiency.
Prevention and care
Consult with a doctor if the patient exhibits changes in
thinking and memory that impact daily life. Dementia is
incurable, but brain-stimulating activities such as doing
light household chores, socializing with friends and family,
reading, playing mental games such as crossword puzzles,
and physical exercise can help to slow its progression.
2. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, a silent and insidious
disease that causes loss of bone
mass and makes bones brittle,
shows no early symptoms. Patients
generally only become aware of
it if they happen to fall and suffer
bone fractures. Postmenopausal
women and men of over 70 years
of age are particularly at risk.
Prevention and care
Women over 55 and men over 70 should get tested
for bone mineral density (BMD), which indicates the
density of bone mass in comparison to its normal ratio
in younger adults.
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Get tested for
a deficiency, and if found, take vitamin D supplements.
Ingest foods high in calcium or supplements of 1,000
milligrams per day.
Practice weight-bearing exercises such as walking, running,
or lifting light weights.
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