Why the Elderly Often Experience High Potassium Levels and its Effects
When someone has higher than normal potassium in their blood it’s known as hyperkalemia. Normal levels of potassium for adults should be between 3.7 and 5.2 mEq/L (milliequivalents per liter). When levels drop below 3.5 or exceed 6, the affected individual should speak with a doctor immediately. The elderly are often at risk for higher […]
What is Sarcopenia and is it Preventable?
Sarcopenia is the reduction of muscle mass that adults experience in middle and old age. Although it can begin as young as 50 or so, the muscle loss becomes more rapid at any point from age 65 to 85. Sarcopenia is often what causes older adults to become frail and more likely to fall and […]
Helping the Elderly Cope with Dysphasia
Dysphasia is a language disorder characterized by difficulty expressing thoughts verbally. When an individual experiences dysphasia, he or she can face difficulty speaking, reading, writing, and gesturing to communicate with others. This can make it extremely difficult for the individual to manage day-to-day tasks, sometimes to the point of inhibiting his or her ability to […]
The Difference Between Delirium and Other Forms of Mental Illness in the Elderly
As we age, we become more susceptible to a variety of physical and mental health conditions. Many of these conditions have symptoms that overlap with each other, which can make it difficult for individuals facing these conditions and their caregivers to identify their actual conditions and provide appropriate care. If you recognize symptoms of delirium […]
What Is Vascular Dementia?
Though vascular dementia is rare, afflicting less than 200,000 people in the US every year, it is a serious type of brain damage that primarily affects older adults. The most extreme symptoms are memory loss and confusion, which means many patients must rely upon others for daily tasks of living. Fortunately, free home healthcare services […]
What is Pancreatic Cancer and How Is It Caused by Radiation Exposure?
Pancreatic cancer is the 4th most deadly cancer in the US. It is often very aggressive and difficult to treat because the symptoms that indicate pancreatic cancer or general pancreatic failure are late-onset, meaning that by the time pancreatic cancer is caught by a healthcare professional, the cancer has most likely exacerbated and has spread […]