With aging comes many chronic conditions. The most common aging diseases include cancer, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and osteoporosis. However, what most people older adults worry about are neurodegenerative diseases. These conditions impair the quality of life in older individuals, with their symptoms worsening over time. To take control of your health as you age, it is essential to know the common signs and symptoms associated with these ailments so they can be managed early on.
At Springfield Wellness Center, patients benefit from professional help to control symptoms and improve their quality of life. Proper care makes it possible to live an active, healthy life.
What Are the Chronic Diseases Associated with Aging That Are Neurodegenerative?
Some of the most common aging diseases that are neurodegenerative include the following:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Huntington’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
These conditions affect memory, movement, emotions, and cognitive skills. Early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions are critical to maintaining the aging adult’s quality of life. While each issue comes with its challenges, finding treatment that can prolong the progression of symptoms is possible.
Early Warning Signs of Declining Health
You might have trouble driving at night because of your vision. Family members might have to repeat themselves often when talking to you. You may start to experience confusion or find yourself getting lost.
Instead of wondering what the chronic diseases associated with aging are, you may find yourself or an older loved one struggling with dementia or mental health difficulties. Dementia and other memory loss issues can indicate a decline in overall health and wellness. With support in place, you will get the care you need to remain as independent as possible.
Dementia and Your Overall Health
Dementia is often seen in older adults and can lead to progressive memory loss. For Alzheimer’s patients, dementia takes years for symptoms to be visible. Dementia can manifest in several ways. Some signs of early dementia include:
- You forget the names of people familiar to you, or you struggle with coming up with words while speaking
- You don’t remember how to prepare a favorite meal
- You have become lost when driving home from the store
- You have trouble making it to appointments and keeping up with your schedule
While some forgetfulness is ordinary, a marked inability to remember tends to indicate that dementia is present. It’s not always possible to identify the exact cause of dementia. Treatment focuses on improving your coping skills and managing your symptoms.
Parkinson’s Disease and Aging
One of the more common aging-associated diseases is Parkinson’s disease. Patients 60 or older are diagnosed with Parkinson’s in roughly 95% of all cases. It is a nerve degenerating disease, second only to Alzheimer’s as a commonality. Age is the most significant risk factor for Parkinson’s, although other factors contribute. Signs of Parkinson’s disease include:
- Rigid arms, legs, or trunk
- Anxiety or depression
- Poor coordination and a lack of balance
- Tremors of the hands, feet, arms, legs, or face
Parkinson’s disease is caused by the death of neurons in the brain and can affect people in various ways. Treatment for symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, is available at Springfield Wellness Center.
Managing the Most Common Aging-Associated Diseases
If you suspect that you or an older loved one is struggling with an aging disease, contact Springfield Wellness Center. While symptoms may not be apparent at first, we will closely monitor you to ensure you are evaluated to receive the best treatment programs and therapies for you, including:
No matter what diagnosis you receive, it’s essential to look at your symptoms and ways to control or improve them. Optimizing your health is necessary, which can be done with specialized care to improve health. The most common aging-associated diseases are prevalent, which means that treatment providers are experienced when trying to help patients cope with their diagnosis. Information will help, and getting yourself the care you need can make your diagnosis easier to manage.
As you age, you may experience changes in your overall health that you aren’t happy with. Find treatment providers that understand your health goals and that will work with you on symptom management. When you work closely with your treatment team, you have your best chance at optimal health.
Find Neurodegenerative Disease Treatment in Louisiana at Springfield Wellness Center
If you are dealing with an age-related disease, it’s time to contact Springfield Wellness Center today at 844.334.4727. Learn more about the most common aging-associated diseases and how we can help you live your best life.