Chronic Illness Management for Elderly Glossary

What are Anxiety Disorders? Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness that can interfere with daily activities. Common types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and phobias. Symptoms of anxiety disorders may include restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and … Read more

What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)? Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS leads to the deterioration of motor neurons, which are responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements. As the disease progresses, individuals with ALS may … Read more

What is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in specific areas of the body. It is believed to affect the way the brain processes pain signals, leading to an increased sensitivity to pain. While the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, it is thought to be a … Read more

What is Chronic Bronchitis? Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. This inflammation leads to a persistent cough that produces mucus, often lasting for at least three months out of the year for two consecutive years. … Read more

What is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can affect a person’s energy levels, behavior, and ability to function in daily life. Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition that … Read more

I. What is Chronic Hyperthyroidism? Chronic hyperthyroidism, also known as overactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones. This can lead to a variety of symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, tremors, and heat intolerance. Chronic hyperthyroidism is typically caused by an autoimmune disorder … Read more

What is Chronic Spasticity? Chronic spasticity is a condition characterized by continuous muscle contractions that result in stiffness or tightness of the muscles. It is a common symptom in elderly patients, especially those with neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injury. Chronic spasticity can significantly impact a person’s quality … Read more

What is Hemophilia? Hemophilia is a rare genetic disorder that impairs the body’s ability to clot blood properly. It is typically inherited and affects mostly males. There are different types of hemophilia, with the most common being Hemophilia A and Hemophilia B. Individuals with hemophilia may experience prolonged bleeding after injuries or surgeries, as well … Read more

I. What are Chronic Vestibular Disorders? Chronic vestibular disorders are conditions that affect the inner ear and the brain, leading to issues with balance and spatial orientation. These disorders can cause symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and imbalance. Chronic vestibular disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including aging, head trauma, infections, … Read more

What is Essential Thrombocythemia? Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) is a rare chronic blood disorder characterized by the overproduction of platelets in the bone marrow. Platelets are blood cells that help with clotting and stopping bleeding. In ET, the bone marrow produces too many platelets, leading to an increased risk of blood clots. This condition primarily affects … Read more