Sean Byers, MD 
Did you know that swollen ankles in the elderly are incredibly common? While a normal response to an injury, this health concern should not be ignored and could be a sign of a serious illness or even a life-threatening condition. What Causes Swollen Ankles In The Elderly? The medical term for swollen ankles is edema, which occurs … Read more
A broken hip in elderly people is both common and painful. Because of weakening bones and the onset of medical issues such as osteoporosis or other ailments that limit mobility, seniors can become especially susceptible to breaking a hip as they age. Learning about preventative measures can help to keep bones strong and decrease the risk of … Read more
Most of us tend to recognize that elderly people tend to become smaller the older they get. As people age, they lose weight and perhaps even become a couple of inches shorter. Most people believe that weight loss in elderly people is a natural part of aging. But losing a significant amount of weight without … Read more
Both delirium and dementia have similar symptoms, but the two medical conditions are not the same. Delirium usually comes on suddenly, and there are ways to prevent it from developing. The onset of dementia is slower, usually taking months or years to develop with minor symptoms sometimes being dismissed as normal forgetfulness or ignored. With this … Read more
Shingles is a viral infection that follows a varicella-zoster infection, although it can take decades for symptoms of the secondary disease to emerge. The condition presents as a painful and blistering rash, but it is not life-threatening. According to the Center for Disease Control, there are nearly one million cases in the United States each year, and … Read more
Our health is something we can never take for granted regardless of our age. There is no point in life where we are completely immune to getting sick or developing infections, and it is always important to see our doctors regularly and use preventative care whenever possible. As we advance into our senior years, the risk … Read more
Pneumonia in elderly people is somewhat common, but some forms can be extremely dangerous. Seniors are especially susceptible and can easily contract pneumonia in nursing home settings. There are a few different types of pneumonia as well as different sets of symptoms. Often, the elderly display pneumonia symptoms differently than those who are younger. Various … Read more
Most of us notice as we age that our eyesight isn’t quite what it was when we were younger. Many seniors experience visual disturbances such as blurred or double vision and it is important to keep up with visiting our eye doctor regularly to get the proper diagnosis to see if we are at risk for degenerative … Read more
Doctors want to identify MRSA in urine as soon as possible. This antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infection can become life-threatening, especially in aged persons. Symptoms can include swollen and painful red bumps that leak fluid and resemble spider bites or pimples. If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, schedule an appointment with a … Read more
High blood pressure is common in the elderly and can cause many serious health issues. It’s important to understand the causes of high blood pressure in elderly people, and how you can treat and prevent it. High Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer High blood pressure is often called the ‘silent killer’ because it has no symptoms. … Read more
Each time we visit our doctor, we have our blood pressure taken. This reading is a way to find out if our hearts and arteries are healthy and functioning properly. High blood pressure readings can be warnings that we are due for some lifestyle changes. When our readings elevate beyond what is considered normal we can become … Read more
According to the Population Reference Bureau, the number of American seniors projects to at least double by 2060. Although many people resist the changes that occur with every birthday, getting older is a privilege. We often ignore the benefits of maturing, but this “third age” can be one of the most fulfilling times in your life. … Read more
A person suffering from a form of dementia doesn’t start out with significant memory loss or other signs of cognitive decline. Dementia is usually progressive, meaning there are multiple dementia stages. In the earliest phases, a person might seem to be in good health. By the final stage, a person will usually be unable to … Read more
Dealing with dementia is a difficult process for caregivers around the world. Communication with a loved one who is suffering may become challenging. The behavior of dementia sufferers can also become unpredictable. Dementia causes people to lose their ability to complete common tasks. It becomes the responsibility of caregivers to aid them in their everyday … Read more
Dehydration can occur in any healthy person regardless of age or gender. Dehydration in the elderly can sometimes be more difficult to manage and prevent. The reasons why include dulling thirst sensations, changes in physiology, and the need for medications which may also play a role. It becomes increasingly important to maintain proper levels of … Read more
What Causes Pain on the Right Side of the Lower Back? The causes of lower right back pain in seniors may vary. This type of lower back pain may arise due to injuries, kidney infections, inflammatory bowel diseases, and appendicitis(1-4). Causes of pain on the right side of the lower back may also be gender-specific. For instance, … Read more
If you’re experiencing your first painful flare up, you are likely wondering how long will sciatica take to heal? On top of the shooting pains, this condition can be detrimental to your day-to-day life, preventing you from simple tasks. In this article, we’ll explain how long sciatica will take to heal. We’ll explain why your … Read more
Back pain in elderly is almost a certainty, and it can become so debilitating that it feels like it defines you. You become frustrated that you are no longer able to partake in activities you used to enjoy, such as hiking, Yoga, Tai Chi for seniors, playing with your kids or grandkids, or even just … Read more
Lower back pain felt by older people after sleeping may be caused by underlying medical conditions, such as disc degeneration, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spaces in the spine), or herniated discs. Other non-medical factors that cause lower back pain include bad mattress quality or sleeping positions(1). Non-pharmacological treatment options, including simple exercises, stretching, and physical … Read more
Older people with lower back pain may struggle with sleeping problems. At the same time, sleeping problems affect a person’s recovery from their lower back pain. Health Report covers everything older folks with lower back pain can do for better sleep. This article will outline which sleeping positions are the best for those with chronic back … Read more