As we age, we begin to realize that we will not stay in the same health as we always have. There are things to consider, other then getting a few wrinkles, that we may begin to think about, such as the different types of illnesses that are most common when we reach the golden years.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s is an illness that is commonly found in elderly people. It is a form of memory loss, but is caused by degeneration of the brain. At this time, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s and the loss of memory can continue to worsen over time. Knowing the signs and symptoms of this disease can help to slow the progress.
Incontinence
Incontinence is the loss of bladder or bowel function. It is not something that you can control and has a wide range of severity. It can be anything from a small amount of leaking to complete loss of bladder or bowel control. The good news is, incontinence is something that can be controlled, treated and even cured.
Cancer
Cancer is a disease that is caused by abnormal cells within your body. Although cancer has been found in people of all ages, the risk of getting cancer increases with age. With early detection and treatment, many people can overcome cancer. It is important to go to your regular check-ups and screenings to catch this in the early stages for the best treatment.
Arthritis
Arthritis occurs when your joints are stiff and inflamed. It causes discomfort and in some cases is extremely painful, making it hard to get around or do different things depending on the location of the arthritis. For example, with hands or wrists, it can be difficult just to open a jar.
Heart Disease
Heart disease refers to plaque buildup within the artery walls. This then begins to restrict the blood flow through the arteries which can lead to bigger issues within the heart, such as the risk of heart attack. The risk for heart disease becomes greater with age.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that makes your body incapable of make the insulin it needs. Without the insulin your body needs, your glucose levels within your blood will become elevated. This is a deadly disease, but it can be treated with exercise, proper eating, medication, and in some cases, insulin injections are necessary. Diabetes can be found in younger people as well, but becomes more common as we age.
We all know that we are only getting older and with age can come a variety of different diseases. Knowing which ones they are and more about them can prepare us for what is to come with age. A home care provider in Los Angeles can help you manage many of these health conditions so you can continue to live comfortably at home.
