There are more than 1,000 diseases the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) classifies as uncommon. Here are four rare medical conditions elderly people are at risk for developing.
1. Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)
MSA is a rare degenerative neurological disease typically affecting seniors over the age of 60. It’s often associated with Parkinson’s disease because it has similar symptoms, such as tremors and impaired posture.
There’s no cure for MSA. However, when it’s caught early on, the symptoms can be controlled. A doctor will generally prescribe medication to regulate the blood pressure of a senior with this rare disease.
If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of homecare services. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From caregivers who offer mentally stimulating activities 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.
2. Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)
Seniors with this rare medical condition have bone spurs that develop along the spine and joints. This causes symptoms similar to arthritis. Seniors with DISH generally find it challenging to move, have difficulty with their posture, and experience pain along the spine and hips. Osteoporosis and arthritis medication can be taken to prevent this rare condition.
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 elderly home care. Potomac seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
3. Bullous Pemphigoid
This rare skin condition causes large blisters filled with fluid to develop in certain areas of the body, including the upper thighs, lower abdomen, and near the armpits. Bullous pemphigoid typically affects seniors over the age of 60. To prevent this skin disease, your loved one will need to limit exposure to the sun and wear protective clothing and sunscreen.
4. Binswanger’s Disease
This disease occurs due to widespread damage in the deep layers of white matter in a senior’s brain. This leads to thickening and narrowing of arteries, which causes the blood supply to decrease and brain tissue to die.
To control the symptoms associated with Binswanger’s disease, your loved one should have regular CT scans or MRIs to catch the condition in its early stages. Healthy lifestyle choices can also slow down the progression of this rare disorder.
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a Potomac 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. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (301) 363-2580 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.
