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related to: what is the pathophysiology of anemia in women over 60 year ageGet Patient Information on Iron Deficiency Anemia Including Common Causes and Symptoms. Understand Common Causes for Iron Deficiency Anemia to Help Manage Your Diagnosis.
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Feb 1, 2018 · Anemia is most frequent at older age, reaching a prevalence of ∼17% in the cohort of older persons >65 years of age. 1 Improved diagnostics and demographic changes in our societies have resulted in an increase in the incidence and prevalence of anemia in past decades. In fact, many underlying disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), other blood cell disorders, cancer, chronic ...
- Overview
- How is anemia different in older people?
- What are the symptoms of anemia in older people?
- What causes anemia in older people?
- What are the risk factors for anemia in older people?
- How is anemia treated in older people?
- What’s the outlook for older people who have anemia?
- How is anemia diagnosed in older people?
- Can older people prevent anemia?
- Frequently asked questions
People over age 65 have increased levels of anemia. Symptoms can be easy to mistake for typical signs of aging so diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent serious complications.
Anemia is a health condition that develops when you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells in your body. Red blood cells deliver oxygen to your muscles and tissues. When this doesn’t happen, it can leave you feeling weak and dizzy.
If you are over the age of 65, you’re at especially high risk for developing anemia and the complications that come from having anemia.
Anemia is very treatable. Dietary changes and supplements often help, and there is a wide range of options.
People over age 65 are one of the groups at high risk for anemia. This can be related to diet or to chronic health conditions.
Chronic health conditions are another risk factor for anemia, and most people over 65 years old have at least one chronic health condition. In fact, according to 2018 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 64% of Americans over age 65 have two or more chronic health conditions.
Anemia often leads to weakness and fatigue. When older adults have these symptoms, it can contribute to an overall health decline.
People with anemia might become less physically active. This can make chronic health conditions worse, and it can lead to a loss of muscle tone, balance, and strength.
The symptoms of anemia can seem nonspecific and vague. They can be easily confused with feeling “a little run down” or even with simply getting older. However, it’s important not to ignore the symptoms of anemia.
Speak with your doctor or another healthcare professional to see what might be causing your symptoms, especially if they have lingered for more than a week or so.
Possible symptoms of anemia include:
•fatigue
•weakness
•dizziness
There are many causes of anemia in older adults. Often, anemia is the result of chronic conditions, medications, or nutritional deficiencies.
Common causes include:
•certain medications, including ACE inhibitors and anticonvulsants
•chemotherapy treatment
•ulcers
•liver disease
Older adults have a higher risk of developing anemia due to age. But they may also have other risk factors.
Risk factors include:
•any condition that causes chronic blood loss
•cancer
•kidney failure
•chronic health conditions
Treatment for anemia depends on the underlying cause of anemia.
For instance, if anemia is caused by a nutritional deficiency, your doctor might recommend dietary changes or supplements. If amenia is caused by an ulcer, treating the ulcer will be part of anemia treatment.
Other possible treatments include:
•changing medications or medication dosage
•blood transfusions
•corticosteroid treatments
The outlook for anemia will vary depending on the cause of the anemia and how severe it is. However, most cases of anemia can be resolved or managed with diet and medications.
It’s best to discuss your specific situation with your doctor to get an understanding of how long your anemia could last.
Anemia is typically diagnosed during a standard medical appointment.
The most common test for anemia is a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). This test measures white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in your blood. It can confirm an anemia diagnosis. If it does, you might have additional blood tests to help find the cause of anemia.
Since anemia is often caused by health conditions, it’s not always possible to prevent it. However, you can take steps to make sure your body has enough nutrients.
You can do this by eating iron-rich foods such as meats, lentils, dark green vegetables, and beans, as well as foods high in folates such as bread, pasta, rice, and fruits.
What can happen if anemia in seniors isn’t treated?
When anemia is left untreated, it can lead to problems such as: •severe fatigue •heart-related issues •an increased risk of death
Can anemia come back?
Yes, anemia can reoccur. Talk with your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of developing anemia again.
Do younger people ever get anemia?
Anyone can get anemia. While being over age 65 is a risk factor, people of any age can develop anemia.
Sep 24, 2023 · Find out the reasons behind this and learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of iron deficiency anemia. ... affecting up to 50% of those aged over 60 years. ... Anemia at older age ...
Nov 19, 2021 · Anemia, defined by the World Health Organization criteria as circulating hemoglobin (Hb) <12 g/dl in women and <13 g/dl in men, is common among individuals over the age of 60. 1-3 The prevalence of anemia increases with age and is particularly common among the oldest and most frail: in a retrospective study of more than 19,000 hospital patients, the incidence of anemia rose from 15% at the ...
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May 11, 2023 · Drinking too much alcohol, being around toxic chemicals, and taking some medicines can affect the making of red blood cells and lead to anemia. Age. People over age 65 are at increased risk of anemia. Complications. If not treated, anemia can cause many health problems, such as: Severe tiredness. Severe anemia can make it impossible to do ...
Oct 1, 2018 · Anemia is a common condition in adults 60 years and older. Given the demographic growth of this population and the morbidity and mortality associated with anemia, primary care physicians should be ...
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Jan 18, 2024 · Anemia is common in older adults and increases with advancing age. 1, 2 In the United States, up to 17% of individuals aged >65 years experience anemia. 3 The World Health Organization (WHO) defines anemia as a hemoglobin level of <12.0 g/dL for women and of <13.0 g/dL for men. 4 This WHO definition of anemia is a population-based threshold, which may not fully capture clinically relevant ...
