Common Serious Diseases in the Elderly

As people age, various physical, cognitive, and emotional changes naturally occur. The body gradually deteriorates, making older adults more susceptible to numerous diseases. Regardless of how well one takes care of their health, illnesses at this stage of life can be difficult to prevent. Therefore, early prevention and timely detection of abnormal symptoms are crucial to ensuring proper treatment and reducing disease severity.

Although many conditions commonly affect older adults, seven major diseases require particular attention.

 

1. Neurological and Brain Disorders

The risk of neurological diseases increases with age. The most common conditions include ischemic stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, with the following causes:

Ischemic Stroke

As individuals grow older, blood vessels deteriorate. The inner lining of the arteries may thicken or harden due to fatty deposits or calcification, causing narrowing and reduced blood flow. This is frequently found in elderly individuals with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or heart disease—especially when poorly controlled. Stress, physical inactivity, and smoking are also significant risk factors.

Alzheimer’s Disease

This is the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It results from the death or dysfunction of brain cells, leading to progressive cognitive decline. Without treatment, deterioration can advance rapidly and severely, affecting the ability to perform daily activities.

 

 

2. Coronary Artery Disease

This condition occurs when fatty plaques accumulate inside the arteries, causing them to stiffen and narrow. The reduced blood flow limits oxygen delivery to the heart muscle, leading to ischemic heart disease. Besides age, gender, and family history, lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and unhealthy habits significantly increase the risk.

 

3. Bone Disorders

As aging progresses, the musculoskeletal system weakens—especially the bones. Older adults commonly experience:

Osteoporosis

Common in elderly women, especially after menopause, osteoporosis occurs due to declining hormonal function. It reduces bone density, making bones thin, brittle, and prone to fractures. Symptoms develop gradually and may go unnoticed, such as back or wrist pain, stooped posture, rounded shoulders, or decreased height.

Knee Osteoarthritis

Caused by prolonged wear and tear of the knee joints, often worsened by excess body weight. More common in older women, this condition results from degeneration of the articular cartilage. Once damaged, cartilage cannot return to its original state, and the condition worsens over time if untreated. Symptoms include knee pain, swelling, stiffness, limited extension, and bow-legged deformity.

 

4. Eye Diseases

Along with general physical decline, vision also deteriorates with age. Common eye conditions among older adults include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and glaucoma. Though their causes and symptoms vary, most age-related eye diseases stem from natural degeneration, leading to reduced visual acuity.

 

5. Diabetes

A very common condition among older adults, diabetes occurs when the body produces insufficient insulin or becomes resistant to its effects. As a result, the body cannot properly metabolize glucose, leading to high blood sugar levels. Without proper control, long-term complications may develop, such as blurred vision, blindness, kidney damage, numbness in hands and feet, and increased susceptibility to infections.

 

 

6. Kidney Disease

In the early stages, kidney disease often shows no symptoms. As the kidneys deteriorate, waste products accumulate in the body and impair the function of other organs. This can progress to chronic kidney failure, eventually requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. Symptoms may include fatigue, swelling, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, poor appetite, and foamy urine.

 

7. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Blood pressure tends to increase naturally with age, making hypertension more common in the elderly. Being overweight or obese also increases vascular resistance. Normally, blood pressure should not exceed 120/80 mmHg. Levels between 120/80 and 139/89 mmHg indicate a high-risk group, while readings ≥140/90 mmHg are classified as hypertension. The condition is often asymptomatic, but very high blood pressure may cause headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, or blurred vision. Long-term uncontrolled hypertension can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, or stroke.

 

The Importance of Regular Health Check-Ups

As the body undergoes age-related decline, older adults are more vulnerable to health issues that require ongoing care. Therefore, seniors should undergo an annual health check-up at least once a year to screen for potential abnormalities. Early detection allows timely treatment and improves overall health and quality of life appropriate for their age.

 

Source: Princ Suvarnabhumi Hospital

**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team