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Old Age Diseases PDF
People worldwide are living longer, but this increase in lifespan is not accompanied by an equal rise in healthspan. Age-related diseases cause a great burden on individuals and society.

We analysed 278 high-burden diseases from EHR data, using hierarchical clustering to identify patterns of disease onset with age. Elderly Australia Four clusters were identified, based on standardised rate of onset curves.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. They can lead to heart attacks and strokes. They are the leading cause of death in people over age 65. But they are preventable. People who make healthy choices and get regular medical care can lower their risk of getting cardiovascular disease.

Symptoms of heart disease can be different for men and women. They can include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, pain or numbness in the arms or legs, and cool or red skin on your feet or legs (claudication). Having a family history of heart disease or other risk factors also increases your chance of developing cardiovascular diseases.

To reduce the burden of CVDs, everyone should eat more fruits and vegetables, limit salt intake, exercise regularly, and use tobacco or alcohol only in moderation. Health policies that create conducive environments for these healthy behaviours are also important. Many forms of cardiovascular disease can be treated with medication.
Cancers

Cancer is more common in the elderly as a result of age-related changes in cells that promote the growth of abnormal cells, such as long-term effects of oxygen free radicals, less efficient DNA damage repair mechanisms and weakened immune systems. Furthermore, the risk of cancer increases with increasing body mass index (BMI).

Symptoms vary depending on the type of cancer. For instance, lung cancer can cause coughing, breathlessness and pain in the chest. Bone cancer can lead to bone pain, swelling and changes in the way a person's bowel moves.

However, it is important to remember that age refers to biological rather than chronological age and individual performance status and concomitant diseases influence the outcome of therapy. In older patients, chemotherapy can lead to serious side effects including myelosuppression, mucositis and hepatotoxicity. Therefore, individualized treatment plans should be devised. Furthermore, prevention strategies involving healthy lifestyle behaviors are needed to optimize the quality of life among older adults.
Neurological Disorders

A neurological disorder is a condition that affects the brain, spinal cord and nerves. These conditions can cause a wide range of symptoms, including paralysis, muscle weakness, loss of sensation, seizures, confusion and unexplained pain.

Memory Loss – A certain degree of memory loss is a normal part of the aging process, but it should be brought to the attention of your doctor when it starts to interfere with your daily life or your friends and family notice it. It may also be a sign of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and early treatment is key to managing these disorders.

Headaches – Any headache that is persistent or becomes more frequent and severe should be evaluated by your doctor. Also watch out for sudden or unexplained dizziness. Even if occasional restless nights are not a problem, chronic sleep issues such as insomnia should be addressed by a specialist.
Musculoskeletal Disorders

Often, the changes associated with old age include loss of some senses, a slowing of movements, and a gradual loss of strength. They also include the occurrence of chronic diseases and conditions, such as hearing loss, cataracts, osteoarthritis, and depression. These diseases and conditions, together with age-related frailty, can lead to a condition called geriatric syndromes.

The musculoskeletal system includes the bones, tendons, muscles, ligaments, and discs. It is affected by injuries caused by bodily reaction or overexertion, especially repetitive and/or strenuous work, and by awkward postures. These disorders are painful and disabling. SSA's Statement of Task included three categories of musculoskeletal disorders: back pain; OA of the hip, knee, and wrist/hand; and inflammatory arthropathies (RA and PsA). This chapter discusses overall issues that are common to all of these musculoskeletal disorders, including the types of medical professionals typically involved in their care and the settings where they are diagnosed and treated. Back pain has a female predominance and is the most frequent primary musculoskeletal disorder, while OA of the knee and wrist/hand are the most common secondary musculoskeletal conditions.

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