Common Diseases of Late Adulthood essay

Common Diseases of Late Adulthood

The elderly (those aged above 60 years) makes up a part of the general population and – thanks to advancements in the healthcare sciences and technology – has begun to occupy a larger share of the population pie due to the resulting increased life-expectancy. It is even estimated that by the year 2020, the elderly will represent 18% of the American population, quite a large leap from 12% in 1990. By this estimated period, one in every six Americans will be elderly. To this end, it becomes quite highly important to be aware of the diseases that face this particular age group. If the statistical data are any indication, these diseases are bound to become larger concerns as the population of the elderly grows as well. As it is, about 80% of elderly adults living at home suffer from chronic diseases – as much as five to six chronic illnesses (Wykle, 2007, p.10-11, 20, 24). Some of these diseases include cataracts, glaucoma, deafness (presbycusis), Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and dementia among others.

WRITE THIS ESSAY FOR ME

Tell us about your assignment and we will find the best writer for your paper.

Get Help Now!

Diseases affecting the vision and eyesight of the elderly include cataracts and glaucoma. Cataracts are described as the clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye/s. The resulting “frosting” turns the lens partially opaque and as a result disrupts the lens’ natural function to sharpen and focus light that passes through it and thus disrupts the normal process of vision. There are many types of cataracts and it is mostly due to chemical changes in the lens that may be a result of natural aging, hereditary factors and eye injuries among others (HealthScout Network, 2009). Glaucoma on the other hand “is a disease caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) resulting either from a malformation or malfunction of the eye’s drainage structures” (St. Luke’s Cataract & Laser Institute, 2008). If left untreated glaucoma may result in permanent damage to the optic nerve and retinal fibers and lead to permanent blindness. For the former condition, surgery is the best treatment option while for the latter, medications are available to control the IOP.

Hearing loss is another common disease in the elderly. An example of which is a condition known as presbycusis. The condition comes gradually as the person ages and is most likely a result of deterioration or changes “to the inner ear, auditory nerve, middle ear, or outer ear. Some of its causes are aging, loud noise, heredity, head injury, infection, illness, certain prescription drugs, and circul…………………….