What a pain: age-related diagnoses from which there is no escape
An English proverb says, "If you wake up after 40 and you don't have any pain, then you're dead." Age—related diseases are inevitable - doctors recognize this. But you can postpone some problems or minimize them if you are prepared for their appearance. What ailments are characteristic of each age group, what can be avoided and what examinations need to be carried out in order to catch up — in the Izvestia material.
20 years
For people of any age, there are common risk factors that play a key role in the development of diseases, says Denis Prokofiev, a general practitioner with the status of "Moscow Doctor." These factors include alcohol consumption, smoking, overweight, elevated cholesterol and sugar levels, and high blood pressure.
— By the age of 20, by and large, the body has just formed. And if there were no acquired or congenital diseases or injuries, then this group can be considered relatively healthy people," says Denis Prokofiev.
But in order to avoid problems, the doctor advises 20-year-olds to monitor the indicators of a general blood test annually. This is important in order not to miss a decrease in hemoglobin levels, an increase in white blood cell levels and vitamin deficiency (in particular, vitamin D). Young people need to eat a balanced diet and move a lot to avoid becoming obese.
— In addition, the age group of 20+ is susceptible to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract due to malnutrition, in particular peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux. Students often choose fast food and sugary carbonated drinks, and the stress factor during their studies increases the risks, warns Prokofiev.
Stress problems are typical for all age groups, says Vladimir Belash, Associate Professor of the Department of Osteopathy at the I.I. Mechnikov Northwestern State Medical University, neurologist. They are now occurring even in children and adolescents, especially in the final grades.
— For example, the number of children aged 14-18 taking antidepressants has increased significantly in recent years. Most often, this is due to constant stressful situations due to exams and university admission, says the neurologist.
Stress at any age negatively affects health and worsens the quality of life, so it must be minimized so that the "track record" of age-related diseases in the future is short.
30 years old
Vladimir Belash also notes that young people do not always take care of their health, and if any diseases appear, they skip the initial period, do not turn to specialists and trigger the situation. You have to pay for this already in your fourth decade.
— If we are talking about the musculoskeletal system, then pain in the muscles, spine and joints can appear at the age of 30-35 years. As a preventive measure, the main vector is a proper lifestyle and regular physical activity, says the neurologist.
If a person at least regularly goes for walks or visits a fitness room, then these problems can be significantly postponed, if not eliminated.
According to the neurologist, after the age of 30, people may have different types of headaches. They are usually associated with some pre-existing pathologies.
— The head may hurt if a person has problems with the musculoskeletal system, for example, with the spine. Or because of a violation of the daily routine. At this age, people overwork, sleep little, and are constantly nervous," comments Vladimir Belash.
A general practitioner advises those over 30 to pay attention to possible diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
— In addition, 30-year-olds may experience disorders related to the state of the excretory system and reproductive functions. The risks of developing diseases in men and women are different, but if we are talking about a common group, then first of all it is the risk of developing urological diseases, explains Denis Prokofiev.
Examinations are needed to help rule out kidney and prostate pathologies in men and gynecological problems in women.
40 years old
According to European recommendations, people over the age of 40 must undergo regular checkups in order not to miss diseases, Vladimir Belash emphasizes. Russians are adopting this practice.
— If we take an age-related approach, then at the age of 40, first of all, screening for various cardiovascular diseases should be carried out. In particular, there are studies that allow you to assess cholesterol levels and see the condition of blood vessels feeding the brain. It is important to find out if there is atherosclerosis, do a cardiogram and ultrasound of the heart to eliminate the risks of developing pathology," the neurologist comments.
Vladimir Belash advises women over the age of 40 to check the entire endocrine system, even if there were no problems in this area before. For advice, you should contact an endocrinologist or an endocrinologist-gynecologist.
- 40+ is a borderline age. And here, of course, we need to focus on the cardiovascular system. Undesirable changes in her work can cause dyslipidemia, that is, an increase in cholesterol levels. The risk of hypertension is also increasing. High-quality regular examinations will help to avoid the occurrence of cardiovascular disasters," adds Denis Prokofiev.
According to the neurologist, the risks of hypertension and strokes also appear closer to the age of 40. In this case, it is important to control cholesterol and monitor blood pressure. A cardiogram, as well as ultrasound of the vessels of the neck, are mandatory examinations for 40—year-olds.
But these are not all the problems of the generation.
— As a rule, by the age of 40, the metabolism is already changing, and people who are accustomed to a certain type of diet can gain weight quickly. It is necessary to review the menu, evaluate products in terms of benefits and calories in order to avoid excess body weight, warns Vladimir Belash.
50 years old
All the problems typical of 40-year-olds can cling to a person even after the half-century anniversary.
— At this age, there are two key factors that can lead to serious pathologies and greatly affect life expectancy. Firstly, increased platelet aggregation, that is, the risk of blood clots. Secondly, the risk of atherosclerosis. It is necessary to monitor cholesterol levels and regularly do vascular ultrasounds and take a coagulogram," advises Denis Prokofiev.
According to Vladimir Belash, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases closer to the age of 50. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor body weight and periodically donate blood for glucose levels in order not to miss the onset of this disease.
It happens that diabetes happens earlier — it all depends on the diet and body weight. And if there is an excess of easily digestible carbohydrates in the menu, then the problem may be inevitable.
— Also, at the age of 50+, people are at risk of cancer. And if the heredity is burdened, then this happens at 40+. Therefore, during the medical examination, it is recommended to undergo a screening examination for a number of oncological processes. Men's focus is primarily on the prostate gland, while women's focus is on the mammary gland and the entire gynecological field," comments Vladimir Belash.
Doctors recommend that if there is a hereditary burden, constantly monitor the condition of specific organs: the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, cardiovascular system, and so on.
Olga Stolyarova, an infectious disease specialist at the Be Healthy clinic, notes that after the age of 50, the body begins to go through natural age-related changes associated with a slowdown in metabolism and hormonal changes.
— Slowing down of metabolism, decreased enzymatic activity and accumulation of toxins can lead to constipation, flatulence, heartburn and decreased absorption of nutrients, — warns the infectious disease specialist.
Olga Stolyarova advises 50-year-olds to improve their metabolism by eating foods with a warming effect, such as soups, stewed vegetables, cereals (especially oats and rice), oils (ghee ghee, sesame oil), and drinking warm water. In addition, the so—called cooling diet is also useful - fresh vegetables, herbs and sweet fruits. It is also necessary to observe the daily routine.
To maintain bones and joints, Stolyarova recommends including foods rich in calcium and magnesium in the diet: sesame seeds, almonds, and green leafy vegetables. It is useful to drink golden milk — add turmeric to the milk.
60 years old
From the age of 60, people may develop vascular problems that affect memory, attention, and cognition, the neurologist notes.
— But the more active a person is, the more he loads himself, the lower the risk of developing associated diseases and age—related cognitive impairments, - says Vladimir Belash.
The neurologist recommends an examination of the blood vessels of the brain and neck. To find out if everything is okay. Ultrasound Dopplerography, magnetic resonance angiography, electroencephalography and other methods will help, in particular.
— If a person has clean blood vessels and a normal blood supply, then the brain is working well. This means that both he and his body will work better. These examinations make it possible to identify a group of risk factors and prevent or reduce the risk of stroke," explains Vladimir Belash.
For men aged 60 years, and for women even at 45+, the neurologist advises checking the condition of bones in order not to miss the development of osteoporosis. This disease most often affects the spine, and the bones of the arms and legs are also at risk. With osteoporosis, bone density decreases, bones lose their strength, and, consequently, there is a risk of pathological fractures.
Denis Prokofiev emphasizes that 60-year-olds are affected by diseases of the musculoskeletal system, in particular osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernias, as well as problems associated with joint damage (for example, osteoarthritis). These are already inevitable degenerative and dystrophic changes.
70 years old
By this age, the problems that have already been encountered in life are getting worse. According to Prokofiev, 70 years is the age when (in addition to the cardiovascular system) special attention should be paid to the work of the brain.
— The so-called dyscirculatory encephalopathy (chronic insufficiency of cerebral circulation) occurs. Due to age-related changes, the brain does not receive enough oxygen. People in the older age group already require drug therapy and constant monitoring," says the general practitioner.
Relatives of the elderly should monitor them so as not to miss the signs of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinsonism, and vascular dementia. The neurologist advises paying attention to the slightest changes in the character of the elderly (for example, excessive forgetfulness, irritability or indifference to everything).
— We must not lose activity, both physically and mentally, in order to avoid irreversible changes in the brain, if possible, — comments Vladimir Belash. — However, caution should be exercised when exercising, as the risk of osteoporosis is especially high in these years.
80-90-100 years old
For such an advanced age, all the problems typical of previous age groups are relevant. The general practitioner advises to support the body as much as possible in all directions, because, as a rule, a person already has a large number of concomitant pathologies.
— Diseases of the cardiovascular system are definitely in the first place. The second stage includes problems related to the nervous system, brain function, spine and joints. By the age of 80, permanent treatment of those chronic diseases that were acquired during life should be carried out here," comments Dr. Prokofiev.
According to the neurologist, the list of possible diseases includes hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and heart failure.
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