Good for the elderly
People over the age of 65 are thought to account for 90 percent of all pneumonia-related fatalities, according to estimates. Influenza-related mortality affects predominantly the older population as well as the general population. When it comes to older persons, urinary tract infections are the most prevalent cause of bacteremia.
Influenza. When it comes to older persons, influenza is a frequent respiratory virus that has a substantial influence on their health globally and causes significant morbidity and death.
Geriatricians encounter infectious illnesses on a regular basis since they are a significant cause of increased morbidity and mortality in the aged population. As a result, infectious diseases are a common concern in their everyday practice. It is important to note that infections in the elderly are very different from infections in the younger population.
One-third of people over the age of 65 die as a result of an infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, infection has a major impact on morbidity in senior patients, exacerbates underlying disorders, and contributes to functional decline in this population of patients.
It is vital for carers to become familiar with the most prevalent illnesses that affect the elderly, as well as their often-mysterious signs and symptoms: According to an article published in Infectious Disease Clinics, ″nonspecific symptoms, such as reduction in functioning, incontinence, loss of appetite, and changes in mental state, may be the presenting indicators of infection,″ according to the publication.
When it comes to older persons, immune senescence, comorbidities, malnutrition, and social determinants of health (for example, living in a nursing home or having limited access to care) all contribute to an increased risk of infection ( 2 ). One-third of people over the age of 65 die as a result of an infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Top 5 Most Common Infections Among the Aging Population
Persons above the age of 65 account for almost three-fourths of all deaths. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease are among the chronic conditions that cause the vast majority of fatalities worldwide. During the twentieth century, chronic illnesses took over as the leading cause of mortality from acute infections, which had previously been the case.
Bacterial pneumonia is one of the most frequent diseases that seniors contract, and it is also one of the most dangerous, especially if it is left untreated. According to the AFP, more than 60% of adults over the age of 65 are admitted to the hospital as a result of a pneumonia infection.
The lower respiratory tract infections (which include pneumonia) are responsible for more than 4 million fatalities globally each year, making them the leading cause of mortality among infectious illnesses worldwide.
Immunosenescence, which occurs when the immune system no longer functions as well or as energetically as it once did, is common in the elderly population. People can become more susceptible to infections when they have a combination of increased comorbid diseases and a decline in the functioning of their immune system.
The urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most prevalent illness in nursing homes, and it is also the most often diagnosed infection among nursing home patients. An indwelling catheter raises the risk of bladder infections and bacterial sepsis from urinary tract pathogens when the catheter is present.
Severe cognitive impairment, sometimes known as dementia, is the most frequent mental condition in the senior population. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, around five million persons aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease, accounting for approximately ten percent of all seniors.
Data Table
Leading Causes of Death 85+ Series Value | Leading Causes of Death 85+ | Deaths per 100,000 Persons Aged 85 Years and Over |
---|---|---|
1 | Heart Disease | 4,305.7 |
Cancer | ||
2 | Cancer | 1,949.8 |
2 | Cancer | 1,976.3 |
Tobacco use and hazardous alcohol use all contribute to the development of chronic illnesses, as can poor diet and physical inactivity. Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory illnesses, and mental disorders are the five most common diseases in the United States, accounting for an estimated 77 percent of the disease burden and 86 percent of the fatalities.
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are the two most frequent infections in humans (MRSA). GAS and MRSA are both capable of causing severe and invasive infections that affect various internal organs.
Tularemia, malaria, and HIV/AIDS, three of the world’s worst illnesses, have been dubbed ″the Big Three″ infectious diseases because of their high mortality rates (BTIDs). Due of their ability to cause significant infections and fatalities on a yearly basis, the BTIDs have been dubbed ″the world’s greatest pandemic.″