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- Spherocytosis can make a person susceptible to severe anemia or infections. A severely enlarged spleen could rupture, which is dangerous.
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Jan 18, 2024 · Anemia is common in older adults and increases with advancing age. 1, 2 In the United States, up to 17% of individuals aged >65 years experience anemia. 3 The World Health Organization (WHO) defines anemia as a hemoglobin level of <12.0 g/dL for women and of <13.0 g/dL for men. 4 This WHO definition of anemia is a population-based threshold ...
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- Overview
- How is anemia different in older people?
- What are the symptoms of anemia in older people?
- What causes anemia in older people?
- What are the risk factors for anemia in older people?
- How is anemia treated in older people?
- What’s the outlook for older people who have anemia?
- How is anemia diagnosed in older people?
- Can older people prevent anemia?
- Frequently asked questions
People over age 65 have increased levels of anemia. Symptoms can be easy to mistake for typical signs of aging so diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent serious complications.
Anemia is a health condition that develops when you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells in your body. Red blood cells deliver oxygen to your muscles and tissues. When this doesn’t happen, it can leave you feeling weak and dizzy.
If you are over the age of 65, you’re at especially high risk for developing anemia and the complications that come from having anemia.
Anemia is very treatable. Dietary changes and supplements often help, and there is a wide range of options.
People over age 65 are one of the groups at high risk for anemia. This can be related to diet or to chronic health conditions.
Chronic health conditions are another risk factor for anemia, and most people over 65 years old have at least one chronic health condition. In fact, according to 2018 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 64% of Americans over age 65 have two or more chronic health conditions.
Anemia often leads to weakness and fatigue. When older adults have these symptoms, it can contribute to an overall health decline.
People with anemia might become less physically active. This can make chronic health conditions worse, and it can lead to a loss of muscle tone, balance, and strength.
The symptoms of anemia can seem nonspecific and vague. They can be easily confused with feeling “a little run down” or even with simply getting older. However, it’s important not to ignore the symptoms of anemia.
Speak with your doctor or another healthcare professional to see what might be causing your symptoms, especially if they have lingered for more than a week or so.
Possible symptoms of anemia include:
•fatigue
•weakness
•dizziness
There are many causes of anemia in older adults. Often, anemia is the result of chronic conditions, medications, or nutritional deficiencies.
Common causes include:
•certain medications, including ACE inhibitors and anticonvulsants
•chemotherapy treatment
•ulcers
•liver disease
Older adults have a higher risk of developing anemia due to age. But they may also have other risk factors.
Risk factors include:
•any condition that causes chronic blood loss
•cancer
•kidney failure
•chronic health conditions
Treatment for anemia depends on the underlying cause of anemia.
For instance, if anemia is caused by a nutritional deficiency, your doctor might recommend dietary changes or supplements. If amenia is caused by an ulcer, treating the ulcer will be part of anemia treatment.
Other possible treatments include:
•changing medications or medication dosage
•blood transfusions
•corticosteroid treatments
The outlook for anemia will vary depending on the cause of the anemia and how severe it is. However, most cases of anemia can be resolved or managed with diet and medications.
It’s best to discuss your specific situation with your doctor to get an understanding of how long your anemia could last.
Anemia is typically diagnosed during a standard medical appointment.
The most common test for anemia is a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). This test measures white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in your blood. It can confirm an anemia diagnosis. If it does, you might have additional blood tests to help find the cause of anemia.
Since anemia is often caused by health conditions, it’s not always possible to prevent it. However, you can take steps to make sure your body has enough nutrients.
You can do this by eating iron-rich foods such as meats, lentils, dark green vegetables, and beans, as well as foods high in folates such as bread, pasta, rice, and fruits.
What can happen if anemia in seniors isn’t treated?
When anemia is left untreated, it can lead to problems such as: •severe fatigue •heart-related issues •an increased risk of death
Can anemia come back?
Yes, anemia can reoccur. Talk with your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of developing anemia again.
Do younger people ever get anemia?
Anyone can get anemia. While being over age 65 is a risk factor, people of any age can develop anemia.
Feb 1, 2018 · Definition of anemia at older age. World Health Organization (WHO) thresholds were established in 1968 in a cohort of persons <65 years old, defining anemia as a hemoglobin (Hb) level of <130 g/L in men and <120 g/L in women. 10 However, Hb levels decline with age and are distinct in different ethnic groups.
- Reinhard Stauder, Peter Valent, Igor Theurl
- 2018
Feb 16, 2022 · Spherocytosis is a condition that causes a person’s red blood cells to be shaped like spheres (round balls) instead of their normal disk shape. It can cause symptoms of anemia (lack of healthy red blood cells) and an enlarged spleen (an organ that filters and stores blood).
May 11, 2023 · People over age 65 are at increased risk of anemia. Complications. If not treated, anemia can cause many health problems, such as: Severe tiredness. Severe anemia can make it impossible to do everyday tasks. Pregnancy complications. Pregnant people with folate deficiency anemia may be more likely to have complications, such as premature birth.
Hereditary spherocytosis is an inherited blood disorder that causes hemolytic anemia. This anemia happens when your red blood cells break down faster than normal.
Jul 4, 2023 · Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is the most prevalent cause of hemolytic anemia due to an abnormal red cell membrane and classifies as a type of congenital hemolytic anemia. Oskar Minkowsky first described it in the early 1900s. [1] .
