The impact of aging and degenerative diseases on healthcare is significant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), by 2050, the number of people over the age of 65 will more than triple, from 26 million to 72 million. At the same time, the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease will more than quadruple, from 5.4 million to 21.2 million.
The cost of caring for these patients is enormous. The CDC reports that the total cost of care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in 2010 was $236 billion. This figure does not include the cost of lost productivity due to illness or death.
The impact of aging and degenerative diseases on healthcare will only increase as the population ages. In addition, the cost of new treatments for these diseases is increasing rapidly. For example, the cost of a drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease has increased more than 1000% in the past decade.
There are several ways that aging and degenerative diseases can impact healthcare. For example, patients with Alzheimer’s disease may become unable to communicate or understand what is happening around them. This can lead to complications in the hospital setting, such as infection.
Another way that aging and degenerative diseases can impact healthcare is through the cost of care. For example, a patient with Alzheimer’s disease may require long-term care in a nursing home or a hospice. This can increase the cost of care significantly.
The impact of aging and degenerative diseases on healthcare will continue to be a major issue in the future. It is important that healthcare providers are aware of the impact these diseases have on patients and the cost of care.
Preventive measures for degenerative diseases in elderly patients are important to maintain their quality of life. The following are some preventive measures that can be taken:
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Regular exercise. Exercise has been shown to improve overall health and can also help to prevent the development of degenerative diseases.
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Proper nutrition. A healthy diet can help to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing degenerative diseases.
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Smoking cessation. Smoking is a major risk factor for the development of degenerative diseases. If a person smokes, they should try to quit smoking as soon as possible.
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Proper use of medications. Proper use of medications can help to prevent the development of degenerative diseases.
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Proper use of glasses and contact lenses. Proper use of glasses and contact lenses can help to prevent the development of degenerative diseases.
