You're the Top Trivia Quiz

Answer: arthritis

Arthritis is a very generic term meaning joint inflammation. There are many different types of arthritis, but it is most often seen in the older folk. Osteoarthritis is the most common form and can affect all of the body's joints.

Answer: diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disease often found in the elderly. The causes vary, but include obesity, poor diet, limited mobility and more. With early diagnosis, treatment can usually be managed with medication and diet. Without treatment the patient may be at risk for cardiovascular, kidney, nerve and optic issues.

Answer: shingles

The varicella zoster virus causes chickenpox, but remains within a person's body. The reactivation of the virus causes a painful rash, or worse. There is a vaccine which reduces the likelihood of shingles.

Answer: depression

Many factors can cause depression in the elderly, and a doctor will need to be adequately informed to be able to determine if medical treatment is required. Often, an increase in physical activity and more social contact can help tremendously.

Answer: cataract

The elderly are often at risk for cataracts in either one or both eyes. The lens of the eye is clouded and reduces the amount of light that reaches the retina. Treatment might include wearing glasses, or surgical replacement of the lens with an artificial one.

Answer: obesity

While other factors might be at play, obesity is generally caused by more calorie intake than expenditure. Often changes to the types of food consumed and exercise can significantly reduce the excess weight.

Answer: cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease can affect the heart and/or the blood vessels. Some of the causes include tobacco use, diabetes, and high blood pressure, though genetics can play a role as well. Sometimes the disease can be treated with changes to diet and exercise, though medications may be administered to reduce blood pressure or cholesterol.

Answer: dementia

Many elderly folk suffer from dementia, a category of diseases that can cause issues with both short- and long-term memory. Other symptoms include changes in personality, inability to apply logic to problems, and an inability to adequately express thoughts or feelings.

Answer: cancer

No one knows all the causes of cancer, but some risk factors include tobacco use, obesity, and alcohol consumption. Many cancers, when detected early, can be treated successfully. There are screenings that can help with early detection, such as mammogram, colonoscopy, x-ray, etc.

Answer: osteoporosis

Many elderly experience broken bones due to osteoporosis, or bone weakness. The causes are varied, but could be from hyperthyroidism, removal of the ovaries, or even some medications used to treat other problems. One of the major risk factors is falling, and the risk can be reduced by removing obstacles from the environment.