Gerontology 130
Working with the Frail Elderly
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Gerontology 130 |
UNIT 15Common Chronic Diseases |
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Older adults experience several chronic diseases as they age. The most common of these diseases include Arthritis, Stroke, Parkinson's, and Diabetes. These diseases can limit mobility of older adults. Clearly, research in these areas indicates that the treatment for all of these conditions is similar. These conditions can be managed through appropriate medications, exercise, and diet.
It is estimated that Arthritis effects approximately one out of six Americans (http://www.arthritis.org). There are over 100 types of arthritis with different signs and symptoms. The most common type of Arthritis is called Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. This type of arthritis affects individuals who are middle-aged and older and it is estimated that 20.7 million Americans, mostly after age 45, are affected (http://www.arthritis.org/conditions/DiseaseCenter/oa.asp).
Women are more commonly affected with osteoarthritis than men. The severity of this arthritis can range from mild to severe. This type of arthritis occurs when cartilage breaks down and causes bones to rub against each other, which results in pain and loss of movement. The joints most commonly effected are knees, hips, feet and the back.
There are many risk factors which cause OA (osteoarthritis). Age, obesity, and individuals suffering joint injuries due to sports, or work-related accidents are more prone to getting osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis is diagnosed by a physical exam, a medical history of symptoms, and x-rays.
Osteoporosis is another common form of arthritis. This occurs when the body is unable to replace new bone tissue resulting in brittle and less dense bones. Individuals with osteoporosis are at risk of falling and breaking hips. Osteoporosis may be prevented by avoiding falls, avoiding heavy alcohol use, avoiding smoking, increasing exercise, increasing the amount of calcium in the diet, and taking estrogen after menopause. Treatment of arthritis includes exercise, diet and medications.
In addition to the types of arthritis listed above, there are also many other forms. These include: Lupus, Lymes' Disease, Fibromyalgia, and Reiter's Syndrome. For a listing of signs and symptoms check the Arthritis Foundation Website at http://www.arthritis.org.
A stroke is also called a CVA or cerebrovascular accident. This occurs when blood vessels carrying oxygen and other nutrients to a specific part of the brain suddenly bursts or becomes blocked. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack" and can be the result of several different causes:
According the Stanford Stroke Center (http://strokecenter.stanford.edu/), warning signs include:
Stroke Prevention—Steps that you can take to reduce your risk of stroke include a change in lifestyle or medication. Factors that lead to a stroke include:
A neurological disorder, this disease affects more than one million people in the U.S. or about 1 in every 100 Americans over the age of 60. The average age of onset is 60 years of age, although about 5-10% are diagnosed prior to age forty. There are 4 features of P.D. These include:
Although scientists know that a lack of adequate dopamine in the neuron cells of the brain causes the symptoms listed above, the reason for this malfunctioning is not known. Several theories exist ranging from nerve death due to the abundance of free radicals, to genetic theories, environmental toxins, or head trauma. The diagnosis of Parkinson's may be difficult because early symptoms are subtle and occur gradually. An MRI and blood test are often tests that rule out other diagnosis but do not confirm Parkinson's Disease per se. When patients come in with the features listed above, the M.D. will often prescribe a trial of Levodopa. Patients with Parkinson's will usually respond favorably to this drug. Parkinson's can often be managed through medications, and as a last resort, brain surgery.
Coping with this disease is similar to coping with other chronic diseases. Providing assistance with activities of daily living, proper nutrition, and exercises can help promote and delay the devastating effects of this disease. For further information, contact the Parkinson's Organization at http://www.apdaparkinson.org/user/index.asp and check the "What You Should Know" publications.
Diabetes Type 2 is increasing in the United States and is believed to be related to lifestyle habits. Type 2 Diabetes is also known as "adult onset" diabetes and is the result of insulin which is no longer functioning properly. With Type 2 Diabetes, glucose builds up in the blood and is not properly metabolized. With diabetes, individuals can either have high blood sugar, or low blood sugar. If the levels of sugar are not regulated through exercise, diet or medications, complications can occur. Some of these complications include the following:
For further explanation of "Coping with Complications," contact the Diabetes' Organization at http://www.diabetes.org. Again, the major way to cope with this disease is through education, checking glucose levels, proper nutrition and exercise.
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