Chronic Diseases and Cognitive Decline

Research shows that people are living longer. Although increased longevity brings a lot of benefits, not all adults experience good health and well-being as they age. Older adults have a significant risk of acquiring multiple chronic diseases or comorbidities, multi-morbidities, and associated functional impairment. Functional impairment refers to limitations in one’s ability to perform daily household activities and chores. When this happens, home healthcare becomes necessary.

Another condition that can be apparent in older adults and seniors is subjective cognitive decline (SCD). SCD is the self-reported experience of worsening or more frequent confusion or memory loss within the past year. It is a form of cognitive impairment and is one of the earliest noticeable symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Conditions such as this may also require the assistance and intervention of our caregivers in Pennsylvania.

SCD can have detrimental implications for people who are living with and managing chronic diseases. Once cognition becomes impaired, the individual’s overall health and well-being become disrupted. People with chronic conditions like coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, COPD, diabetes, and kidney disease who also have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia are reported to have higher use and costs of health care services than people living with the same chronic conditions but don’t have Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Tasks that were done easily before will seem impossible to do if these conditions are present. Thus, homemaker services can come in handy.

Chronic conditions and cognitive decline must always be addressed. To know more, call Perfect Hands Health Solutions LLC today. We offer home health and home care services in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania.