What Is Anemia in Elderly and How Is It Treated?
Anemia affects a significant percentage of seniors and causes symptoms often attributed to aging. Understanding anemia helps seniors recognize this treatable condition and seek appropriate care.
Understanding Anemia
Anemia means having fewer red blood cells or less hemoglobin than normal. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. When their numbers or function decline, tissues receive less oxygen.
Anemia is common in seniors, affecting about 10 percent of adults over 65 and higher percentages of those over 85 or in nursing homes. It becomes increasingly prevalent with age.
Anemia is not a normal part of aging. While more common in seniors, it always has an underlying cause that should be identified. Treating the cause often resolves the anemia.
Causes of Anemia in Seniors
Iron deficiency anemia results from insufficient iron for red blood cell production. Blood loss from gastrointestinal sources is a common cause. Colonoscopy may be needed to evaluate for bleeding sources including cancer.
Chronic disease anemia occurs with ongoing inflammation from conditions like kidney disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic infections. The body’s iron use is impaired even when iron stores are adequate.
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes anemia when absorption decreases with age or with certain medications like metformin. Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune form of B12 deficiency.
Folate deficiency, though less common, also causes anemia. Dietary inadequacy or medication effects may be responsible.
Bone marrow problems including myelodysplastic syndromes become more common with age and affect blood cell production.
Symptoms of Anemia
Fatigue is the most common symptom. Tiredness, weakness, and reduced energy affect daily function. These symptoms are often attributed to aging rather than recognized as anemia.
Shortness of breath with activity occurs as tissues demand oxygen the blood cannot adequately deliver. Exercise tolerance decreases.
Dizziness and lightheadedness may occur, particularly when standing. Falls may result from anemia-related unsteadiness.
Pale skin, brittle nails, and rapid heartbeat are additional signs. Cognitive changes including poor concentration may occur.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Blood tests diagnose anemia and help determine the cause. Complete blood count shows red blood cell numbers and characteristics. Additional tests identify specific causes.
Treatment depends on the cause. Iron deficiency is treated with iron supplements or IV iron. B12 deficiency requires B12 supplementation, often by injection. Chronic disease anemia treatment focuses on the underlying condition.
Blood transfusion may be needed for severe anemia or when rapid correction is necessary. Transfusions provide immediate but temporary improvement.
Getting Anemia Care
All Seniors Foundation evaluates and treats anemia as part of comprehensive senior care. Fatigue deserves investigation. Contact us for anemia evaluation and management.
