Roohealthcare.com – Anemia in older adults is a common problem, but it is often overlooked because it is often attributed to normal aging. In healthy elderly persons, hemoglobin levels should not be affected by age, and bone marrow should not be stressed. However, anemia in centenarians often signals the presence of underlying pathology. Fortunately, the majority of causes of anemia in older individuals are preventable, and a simple evaluation can help diagnose anemia and determine a treatment plan.
Signs of Anemia in the Seniors
Signs of anemia in seniors include weakness, pale skin, cold hands, and rapid heartbeat. Anemia can also cause chest pains and rapid heartbeat, so it’s important to monitor your aging loved one for any of these symptoms. If you think that your loved one is suffering from anemia, a simple blood test will confirm the condition. Once your loved one has had a complete blood count, your caregiver can decide whether anemia treatment is necessary.
Some causes of anemia in senior citizens include a genetic predisposition to the disease. Seniors with chronic illnesses or digestive disorders are also at higher risk. If untreated, anemia in seniors can have devastating consequences. Symptoms can include losing physical ability and even requiring hospitalization. Even borderline anemia can have serious consequences, so it is important to learn about the symptoms and diagnose your loved one’s anemia early.
In some cases, anemia in seniors is caused by a chronic illness, such as chemotherapy. In such cases, a doctor may prescribe an iron supplement to address the problem. Other treatment options may involve changing your diet, which includes eating foods rich in iron, like lean meat, nuts, beans, and spinach. While there is no specific cure for anemia in seniors, proper nutrition is essential to managing anemia. When possible, the elderly should consume lean red meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, as well as other protein-rich foods and vegetables.
Common Causes of Anemia in the Seniors
There are a number of common causes of anemia in seniors, including chronic disease, medication, and gastrointestinal bleeding. In addition to iron deficiency, anemia can also be caused by folate, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency. Other causes of anemia in senior citizens include vitamin deficiencies, medications, and chronic conditions that interfere with the production of red blood cells. Anemia in senior citizens can cause serious complications, so it’s important to get your senior loved one checked out as soon as possible.
The first option for treating severe anemia in seniors is to administer blood transfusions. This is the most effective option for these patients. A blood transfusion can correct the problem if there is a blood shortage. Anemia in older adults can be caused by a variety of factors, including malnutrition or a weakened immune system. Symptoms of anemia in seniors can be difficult to recognize without a thorough examination.
While there are many causes of anemia in senior citizens, underlying diseases, or medications, are the most common. While many people are at risk for anemia, others have no known cause. One study by Penninx and colleagues examined 1,146 seniors for four years and assessed their physical abilities. About two thirds of participants exhibited some declines in their physical abilities while 30% showed substantial declines. This shows that the symptoms of anemia in senior citizens are not as common as they may be in the younger population.
Accurate Diagnosing Anemia
The number of tests needed to diagnose anemia varies. A complete blood count, or CBC, can reveal red blood cell size, shape, and count. A complete blood count can also tell whether you are low in certain vitamins or minerals, as well as how much iron is stored in your blood. However, you can never tell how much anemia is going to affect your quality of life if you do not have an accurate diagnosis.
While iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in elderly adults, other causes include vitamin B12 and folate deficiency. If you suspect your elderly loved one may be suffering from anemia, it is crucial that you seek medical attention. Iron supplements can cause digestive problems and even nausea and diarrhea. Consequently, iron supplements should be avoided unless these symptoms are severe or persistent. However, if they are not addressed, the symptoms of anemia in seniors can lead to death or hospitalization.
Another cause of anemia in senior adults is medication. Medications that impair the ability of bone marrow to create red blood cells can result in anemia. Cancer treatments can damage bone marrow, which is where red blood cells are created. If your loved one begins to show signs of anemia, schedule a check-up with your doctor. They will be able to rule out other health conditions that can be contributing factors.
Reference:
