March is National Multiple Sclerosis Education & Awareness Month and it’s a fantastic time for seniors and their families to learn more about how Multiple Sclerosis impacts seniors. Multiple Sclerosis affects nearly 4% of seniors. Typically, MS is diagnosed in people who are between 20-40. But Late Onset Multiple Sclerosis or LOMS can be diagnosed in seniors who are older than 55.
Seniors who have LOMS can benefit from senior home care. Often seniors who have LOMS are able to continue living independently at home if they have senior home care to help them. Senior home care includes things like light housework, shopping, running errands, and helping seniors with meal preparation and other tasks.
The symptoms of LOMS are similar to the symptoms of MS that younger people experience like:
Fatigue
Fatigue can be caused by many things, but one of those things is LOMS. Persistent fatigue is a common symptom of MS. Seniors may experience a profound and overwhelming sense of tiredness that is not relieved by rest. Fatigue can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life. If your senior parent suddenly is battling extreme fatigue they need to be evaluated by a doctor.
Balance and Coordination Issues
MS affects the nerves that control balance and coordination. Seniors may notice difficulty walking steadily, frequent stumbling, or unexplained clumsiness. Balance problems can increase the risk of falls, which is one of the reasons why seniors who are at risk for MS should have senior home care.
Muscle Weakness and Spasms
Weakness in the muscles, often accompanied by spasms or stiffness, is one of the most common and well-known symptoms of MS. Seniors may find it challenging to perform everyday tasks, and muscle weakness can affect mobility. If your senior parent is suddenly finding it difficult to do things that they could do easily before they need to be screened for MS.
Numbness and Tingling
Seniors with MS may experience numbness or tingling sensations, often in the extremities. These sensations can be intermittent or constant and may affect the hands, feet, arms, or legs.
Vision Changes
MS can impact the optic nerves, leading to vision problems. Seniors may experience blurred vision, double vision, or pain with eye movement. Vision changes may be temporary or permanent. Diabetes and other conditions can also cause vision changes. So, if your senior parent mentions their vision is changing, they should be seen by an eye doctor.
Cognitive Impairment
Seniors with MS may experience cognitive challenges, including difficulties with memory, attention, and problem-solving. While cognitive symptoms can vary, they can impact daily functioning and quality of life.
Difficulty Swallowing
MS can affect the muscles involved in swallowing, leading to difficulties with eating and drinking. Seniors may experience choking, coughing, or a sensation of food getting stuck in the throat. Sometimes speech therapy can help seniors strengthen the muscles in their throats to make swallowing easier.
Bladder and Bowel Issues
MS can disrupt nerve signals that control the bladder and bowel functions. Seniors may experience increased frequency, urgency, or difficulty emptying the bladder. Bowel habits may also be affected.
Speech Impairment
MS can cause muscle weakness and coordination problems that may affect speech. Seniors may notice slurred speech, difficulty articulating words, or changes in their voice.
Heat Sensitivity
Many individuals with MS, including seniors, are sensitive to heat. Exposure to hot temperatures can exacerbate symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and visual disturbances.
Neuropathy
Seniors with MS may experience pain, which can manifest as sharp or stabbing sensations, as well as aching or burning. Pain may be localized in specific areas or be more widespread. Diabetes can also cause neuropathy.
Emotional and Mood Changes
MS can impact emotional well-being, leading to mood swings, depression, or anxiety. Seniors may experience changes in their emotional state that are unrelated to external factors.
Tremors
Some seniors with MS may experience tremors or involuntary shaking, particularly in the hands. Tremors can affect fine motor skills and may be more noticeable during specific activities.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care in Bonita, CA please contact the caring staff at A Caring Touch Home Care today. Call (619) 344-0528
A Caring Touch Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency providing exceptional home care in Coronado, Del Mar/Del Mar Heights, Bonita, East Lake, La Jolla, Torrey Pines, Mt. Helix/La Mesa, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Carmel Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos, Point Loma, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego and surrounding areas.
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