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Health Conditions

Quick Guide to Health Conditions

The Most Common Health Issues Facing the Elderly

How to Recognize the 7 Stages of Alzheimer's

How To Spot the Warning Signs of Depression

Controlling Incontinence Issues

Stroke: Warning Signs and Risk Factors

In This Section

Senior Health
From mild aches and pains to the most devastating illnesses, seniors face it all.
General health concerns of the elderly »
Alzheimer's & Dementia
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting over 5 million people. There are other types of dementias, memory loss and impaired cognitive function that impact seniors.
Alzheimer's and dementia caregiving »
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a chronic, neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the part of the brain that controls muscle movement.
Parkinson's symptoms, stages, research »
Incontinence
Incontinence, or loss of bladder control, can happen for a number of reasons. Whether it's temporary or chronic, it's unpleasant. It also can lead to emotional distress.
Incontinence care and treatment »
Cancer
Cancer is a group of more than 100 diseases in which abnormal cells grow out of control, thereby invading other parts of the body. There were more than 1.5 million new cases of cancer reported every year.
Taking care of a loved one with cancer »
Heart Disease
Heart disease—whether it's a heart attack, stroke, cardiac arrest, high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease, or another cardiovascular condition—is the number one killer in America.
Cardiovascular health and your parent »
Arthritis
Arthritis is a painful condition that can strike the spine, neck, back, shoulder, hands and wrists, hip, knee, ankle, and feet. It can be immobilizing, and it comes in many forms.
Arthritis care tips and treatment »
Vision & Eye Diseases
Macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, presbyopia, and retinal disorders are just some eye diseases that can reduce a senior's ability to see well.
Age-related vision & eye diseases »
Diabetes
Having high blood glucose levels is the hallmark of diabetes, a group of diseases that affects the body's ability to produce or use insulin correctly.
Diabetes risks, options, and treatment »
Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders—whether insomnia, sleep apnea, or movement disorders—all can rob elderly parents of needed sleep. Disruption in sleep patterns can lead to more problems than just making the elderly feel more fatigued.
Detect and help overcome sleep problems »
Depression
Depression is a serious medical illness. It’s more than just feeling "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days. It can be mild or so major that it's disabling and it can also be hard to recognize.
Signs and treatment of depression »
Hearing Loss
About a third of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing problems. That statistic increases with age. Yet only one in five people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually wears one.
Taking care of someone with hearing loss »
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to break more easily and take longer to heal. As a result, even minor falls can land seniors in the hospital.
Osteoporosis care and prevention »
Lung Disease
Lung diseases can diminish a senior's ability to breathe well. While many types of lung problems can be treated or prevented, they can be serious, with major complications.
Types of lung disease and care »