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Medications That

Impair Memory

Beers List: Inappropriate

Meds for Elderly

Gallands List: Meds That

Cause Memory Loss

Medications That

Reduce Energy

OTC Meds That Are

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EllaCommon Senior illnesses "Geriatrics Syndrome"

Ella Traver | ElderThink | 02.12.11

 

A new guild developed by the American Geriatric Society Foundation tells us about "geriatric syndromes" or illnesses common to older people that can lead to more serious problems.

 

Some of these problems are caused by medications or combinations of meds. Others are caused by physical changes.

 

Caregivers and loved ones shoud be alert for the following:

 

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Malnutrition
  • Bladder control problems
  • Sleep problems
  • Confusion
  • Memory problems
  • Difficulty walking
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Frequent falls
  • Hearing problems
  • Sores that don't heal
  • Visiion problems

 

If these problems concern you, there are four areas that need to be addressed right away:

 

1. A review of all medications, doses, frequency and use together.

 

2. Understanding of food, water and alcohol consumption. Is there a healthy diet?

 

3. Is exercise adequate and stimulating?

 

4. Are sleep habits good? What can be done to insure adequate sleep.

 

 

 

Older People Get Sick

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Senior Illness

Gretchen Heuring | ElderThink | 02.12.11

 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease control, by 2030, the number of Americans aged 65 and older will more than double to 71 million older Americans, comprising roughly 20 percent of the US population. The nation's health care spending is projected to increase by 25%.

 

Today, eighty-eight percent of those over 65 years of age have at least one chronic health condition. This means that they are living with some form of disease or injury that probably will not get better and must be treated for a lifetime.

 

Living With Illness

A chronic disease develops slowly and lasts a long time. For elderly persons, a chronic disease can last the rest of their lives. Leading chronic diseases among the elderly are arthritis, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, chronic back pain, hearing loss, gum disease, depression, Alzheimer's, and diseases of the eye.

 

Infectious Diseases Among Elderly

There is a higher frequency of infectious diseases among the elderly. Most common infectious diseases include urinary tract infection, pneumonia, influenza, and shingles.

 

Injury Among Seniors

Older adults are at high risk for injuries that can lead to disability. Falls are the leading cause of injury and broken hips the most common result. In addition, older people are not safe drivers and suffer from automobile more accident injuries than younger people.

 

Medicine and Therapies for Seniors

In the past few years, medicines and therapies have advanced tremendously. These advances have been particularly strong in the area of injuries and chronic diseases.