What conditions are most commonly misdiagnosed in seniors?
Sponsored - Though doctors do their best, family caregivers should know physicians occasionally misdiagnose certain medical conditions. If your senior loved one has one of these conditions, he or she has a higher risk of being improperly diagnosed by a doctor. Heart Attacks  Heart attacks arent always characterized by crushing chest pain, especially in senior women. A heart attack may just feel like a little indigestion or cause a senior to seem to be a bit short of breath, so a doctor may not realize when a senior is having a heart attack. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional senior home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place. Depression  This mental health condition is common among seniors, but its often confused with simple insomnia or anxiety. Without taking an extensive medical history, a doctor may not realize an individual seniors symptoms are abnormal. Celiac Disease  Celiac disease causes seniors to have difficulty digesting gluten, but the symptoms that frequently occur when gluten is eaten cause some doctors to misdiagnose aging adults with irritable bowel syndrome or even GERD. Thyroid Conditions  The thyroid is a tiny gland, but it produces hormones that control important metabolic processes. Random symptoms like temperature fluctuations, tremors, and weight changes can all be caused by thyroid conditions, but doctors often assume there are other underlying causes. Cancer  Cancer can be difficult for a doctor to diagnose if he or she doesnt properly evaluate a senior and examine the individuals medical history. Breast cancer, sarcomas, lymphoma, and melanomas are the most commonly misdiagnosed types of cancer because they often have varied or vague symptoms. Strokes  When a stroke blocks blood flow for only a short amount of time, the symptoms can occur and subside too quickly for a doctor to observe. However, any vision difficulty, headache, facial paralysis, difficulty speaking, or lack of coordination is a sign for concern, even if it goes away quickly. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Colorado Springs live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life. Lyme Disease  Lyme disease is commonly spread through tick bites, and it can lie dormant for years before suddenly causing fatigue, pain, and fever. A doctor may not suspect a senior has Lyme disease if the tick bite happened a long time ago. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of homecare services Colorado Springs, CO, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimers, and Parkinsons. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (719) 822-0788 today.