The CDC identifies 5 chronic diseases that place seniors at higher risk due to age. (cdc.gov)
Dementias
Heart Disease
Type 2 Diabetes
Arthritis
Cancer
According to the CDC these are the nation's leading drivers of illness, disability, deaths and health cost. It is further stated, that Alzheimers disease and other dementias are most common in adults 60 and older, and the risk increases with age. In 2019, health care and long term care costs associated with Alzheimer's and other dementias were $290 billion making some of the costliest conditions to society (cdc.gov).
The health care delivery system is instrumental by educating the community in ways to identify dementias.
Early assessment and diagnosis that identify risk, reduction and prevention
Managing other chronic diseases such as those mentioned above
Access screening services for (blood sugar testing, blood pressure, and cancer screening
Educating caregiver to speak with health care providers about their worsening memory.
Accessing community resources such as The National Prevention Program to reduce the risk of Diabetes
Promoting physical activities to reduce risk of dementia, arthritis pain and falls.
resources
American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org)
American Heart Association (www.heart.org)
Materials for your older patients|Steadi-Older. Adult Fall Prevention (www.cdc.gov)
Your health care matters to the healthagencyfriendVisit the healthagencyfriend.com to access more educational tools.