Dangerous diseases that the elderly should be aware of.
In older adults, physiological functions weaken, especially the immune system, leading to the development of dangerous diseases. Below are some diseases that older adults should be aware of in order to prevent them in a timely manner.
As we age, bodily functions deteriorate, and metabolic processes become disrupted. Blood lipid levels (cholesterol, triglycerides), liver function indicators (SGOT, SGPT), and insulin activity become uncontrolled, leading to a range of dangerous diseases.
1. Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a disease caused by the hardening and narrowing of arteries. It can occur anywhere in the body and is a major cause of stroke (cerebral circulatory disorder), heart attack, and circulatory insufficiency in the legs. Fatty substances in the blood gradually accumulate in the inner layer of the artery walls, causing the walls to thicken. As a result, the arteries narrow and blood flow is obstructed.
2. Diabetes
According to Dr. Nguyen Vinh Quang, Head of the National Diabetes Project Management Board, the national diabetes rate is 5.7% of the population. In the elderly, the cause of diabetes is due to impaired metabolic functions, especially carbohydrate metabolism disorders when the pancreatic hormone insulin is deficient or its effect is reduced in the body, causing consistently high blood sugar levels. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of many serious diseases.
3. Stroke
Cardiovascular diseases are common in the elderly, most notably atherosclerosis, coronary artery insufficiency, hypertension, and stroke. These are highly dangerous diseases that constantly threaten the lives of older adults. The main cause is the loss of control over blood lipid levels, leading to a sudden increase in cholesterol molecules, causing vascular blockage and loss of elasticity due to aging of blood vessels.
Ways to reduce the risk of disease for the elderly.
According to pharmacist and former university lecturer Nguyen Danh Mau, the aforementioned diseases in the elderly all stem from metabolic syndrome. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 20% - 25% of adults globally suffer from metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome is caused by excess body fat, particularly abdominal fat, which releases non-esterified fatty acids and bad LDL-c cholesterol into the bloodstream. This increases insulin resistance and inflammation of the vascular endothelial cells, leading to atherosclerotic plaques and resulting in metabolic syndrome, which includes diabetes, high blood lipids, high blood pressure, coronary atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, cerebral circulatory insufficiency, stroke, and cerebral hemorrhage.
According to dantri.com
