Top seven prevalent age-related illnesses

1. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a decrease in bone density and which may go unnoticed until the affected person suffers a bone crack or fracture. Specialist doctors, such as those from Enayati Hospitalwho can diagnose it are geriatricians, internists, orthopedists or endocrinologists.

Decreased bone density and loss of muscle mass occur naturally with age, but people who are predisposed to this disease experience its symptoms more quickly than those who are not exposed to risk factors. [1]

2. Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes can occur at any age, but is especially common among seniors. Although this condition is incurable, with the help of existing treatments the symptoms can be managed and relieved.

This disease is characterized by the body’s inability to naturally produce a large enough amount of insulin to function properly. Type 2 diabetes is more common than type 1 [1] and, in addition to appropriate treatment, it also involves lifestyle changes such as:

• adopting a healthy diet;

• maintaining an optimal weight;

• performing physical exercises regularly, according to the doctor’s instructions.

Type 1 diabetes occurs in about 10% of all diabetes cases and is an autoimmune disease, in which the body attacks the cells that are responsible for producing insulin. [1]

3. Alzheimer’s disease

Among the types of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form. The cognitive decline specific to this condition occurs in about 70% of patients. [1] Accumulations of protein in the brain lead to the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease over time. Patients may experience:

• difficulty concentrating and remembering various details;

• changes in personality, such as disinterest in things, suspiciousness or irritable behavior, apathy, symptoms associated with depression;

• mood swings;

• confusion, decline in reason or ability to make decisions;

• difficulty speaking, swallowing or walking.

4. Parkinson’s disease

Another common type of dementia is Parkinson’s disease. This is a progressive neurodegenerative condition in which a much smaller amount of dopamine is produced than would be necessary for optimal cognitive functioning.

With the help of treatments, the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be managed. They involve involuntary tremors of certain parts of the body, for example, of the hands, stiffness and inflexibility of some muscles, movements that the patient makes slowly.

5. Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is caused by an infection that affects the lungs and airways, causing excess mucus to build up inside them. The patient begins to cough, the cough being the body’s reaction in an attempt to eliminate that mucus. Smoking is one of the risk factors for the onset of this disease.

Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include chest pain, exhaustion, nasal congestion or runny nose, headache, sore throat, productive cough.

6. Chronic kidney disease

This is also known as “chronic kidney failure” and can be caused by an underlying condition such as kidney infection, kidney inflammation, high blood pressure or diabetes. As a rule, chronic kidney disease can be diagnosed following urine tests ordered by the doctor for other conditions.

The symptoms that prompt a specialist medical consultation and that may signal an advanced stage of this disease are: [1]:

• the presence of blood in the urine;

• swelling of the ankles, feet or hands;

• breathing difficulties;

• fatigue or general malaise.

7. Arthritis

Another chronic condition that is common among seniors is arthritis. [1] This leads to joint pain and chronic inflammation. Although the patient may not fully recover, there are treatments to manage the symptoms.

Symptoms that may indicate arthritis are pain, stiffness and tenderness of the joints, inflammation in the areas around the joints and limited mobility.

Therefore, these are the most common diseases that are associated with aging. It is important that people over 50-60 years of age visit the doctor periodically for routine consultations, so that, if necessary, they can benefit from the most effective treatment in time.

Reference source:

1. kEYSTONE HEALTH. “Geriatric Diseases: Age-Related Medical Conditions & Illnesses.” Keystone Health, 7 Sept. 2021, keystone.health/geriatric-diseases. Accessed 28 Feb. 2023.