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hypertension (90-95% of cases) is compatible with living a long life, it is the complications that are life threatening. Complications of chronically high blood pressure include stroke, kidney disease or renal failure, and weakening of the blood vessels in a process called arteriosclerosis or resulting in an aneurysm. Prevention and treatment include reducing sodium intake, exercising for weight maintenance to reduce obesity, and the use of pharmaceutical diuretics to reduce water retention.

Cancer

The incidence of cells losing the ability to control their own growth increases as we age. As cells form masses of uncontrolled growth they are called tumors. Tumors that invade other tissues, thus interfering with normal physiological processes, are considered cancerous. Exposure to cancer-causing agents and genetic mutations take time to add up within cells resulting in increasing rates of cancer as a population ages. Prevention ranges from limiting UV exposure, smoking cessation, regular cancer screening, such as prostate and breast exams, and increasing antioxidant intake. Treatments also have a range depending on the type of cancer, including chemotherapy, radiation, cryosurgery, and laser treatments.

Alzheimer's Disease

Memory loss and mental insufficiencies are common as the brain ages. However, extreme mental shifts including dementia, complete short term memory loss, permanent personality changes, and an inability to care for oneself are part of a disorder. Currently only diagnosable at autopsy, Alzheimer's disease is caused by an accumulation of protein plaques in the brain leading to a loss of synaptic connections. Research on the disease is still ongoing to determine risk factors and prevention measures. Treatment consists of long-term care for the individual, often in nursing homes or hospitals because 24-hour observation is often necessary.

Malnutrition

As a person ages, their basic metabolic rate, bone strength, skin elasticity, and muscle tone decrease, which increases the need for vitamins and minerals such as calcium and folic acid. Also, some medications may affect the absorption rate of certain minerals and vitamins making supplements necessary to maintain health. Disability and forgetfulness may contribute to smaller or missed meals, resulting in the decreased dietary intake of necessary nutrients. Eating the same at age 60 as a person did at age 30 would not have the same result on their overall health. Education programs and talking with a physician or dietician is a beneficial step in solving elderly malnutrition.

Depression

The frustrations and complications of dealing with a chronic illness, aging, medical bills, or a disability leading to outside care can cause depression. Also, as a person ages, they lose spouses and partners to death, resulting in major life adjustments to which they may not be able to mentally adapt. Risk factors for depression also include combinations of certain medications, substance abuse, and chronic pain. Depression in the elderly has been linked to heart attack, suicide, and death from previous conditions. There is a National Hopeline Network (1-800-suicide) and crisis centers that deal with late-life depression. The presence of a social support network can help treat depression, and keeping up with physician visits and the treatment of existing conditions can help prevent depression from interfering with current treatments.

For more information:

Late-life Depression

Heart Disease

"Medical nutrition & disease", 3rd edition. Hark and Morrison, 2003.

"Basic Pathology", 7th edition. Kumar, Cotran, and Robbins, 2003.

Learn more about this author, Alicia M Prater PhD.
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