Module 4 Part 4: Health Issues

Top 10 Diseases Associated with Aging

Alzheimer’s Disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes. It primarily affects older adults and is the most common cause of dementia. It involves the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, leading to neuronal damage and loss of brain function over time. 

Arthritis: Inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common forms. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear of cartilage, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder attacking the joints. 

Cataracts: A clouding of the eye's natural lens, leading to blurry vision and increased glare from lights. Cataracts develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes. Surgery is a common treatment to restore vision. 

Dementia: A group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause. Dementia involves various diseases and conditions that result in damaged brain cells, leading to impaired cognitive function. 

Glaucoma: A group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye, leading to vision loss. Early detection through regular eye exams is crucial as it can lead to blindness if untreated. 

Macular Degeneration: A condition affecting the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision, leading to loss of sharp, central vision. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common form and can lead to difficulty with activities like reading and driving. 

Osteoporosis: A condition characterized by weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures. It is more common in older adults, particularly postmenopausal women. Bone density decreases, making bones fragile and more likely to break. 

Parkinson’s Disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement, causing symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). It results from the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. 

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): A condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high, leading to heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. Often called a "silent killer" because it can go unnoticed for years, causing damage to the heart and arteries. 

Diabetes: A metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form in older adults. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin.