The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a database of more than 1,000 types of uncommon diseases. Here are some of the rare diseases seniors are at risk of developing and ways to prevent them.
1. Pemphigus
This is a rare disease characterized by lesions and blisters. Seniors who have pemphigus generally develop blisters on the forearms, chest, and abdomen. The lesions often come and go without causing the skin to permanently scar. To prevent your loved one from developing pemphigus, he or she will need to minimize exposure to the sun to protect the skin. When your loved one goes out in the sun, make sure he or she wears sunscreen and protective clothing.
2. Paget’s Disease
Although this disease isn’t well known, it’s actually the second most common bone disease, after osteoporosis. If your loved one develops Paget’s disease, his or her bones could weaken and reform at an unhealthy rate. As a result, the new bones could become brittle and have a higher risk of fracturing. While Paget’s disease cannot be prevented, early diagnosis and different prescription and non-prescription medications may help your loved one alleviate the symptoms.
If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of home care service. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.
3. Encephalitis
Seniors with weakened immune systems could be at risk of this rare disease. Encephalitis is characterized as a rapid inflammation of brain tissues. As a result, seniors can experience severe mood swings, weakness in the body, and seizures. Your loved one can take a vaccine to reduce the risk of developing encephalitis.
Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Tucson seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
4. Bullous Pemphigoid
This is a rare skin disease mainly affecting seniors over the age of 70. Bullous pemphigoid causes blisters that can become severe. If your loved one’s immune system begins to weaken, he or she will be at higher risk of developing the disease. To prevent bullous pemphigoid, your loved one should follow a healthy diet and minimize his or her exposure to the sun.
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a Tucson senior home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Home Care Assistance today at (520) 276-6555.