Many types of liver disease are preventable with vaccines or can be reversed if caught early. Yet liver disease is the one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and the number of diagnosed cases continues to climb each year. Doctors attribute this to obesity and diabetes. If you’re concerned about a senior loved one you suspect may have liver disease, here are a few symptoms to look for.
Urine & Stool
Your loved one’s urine may be very dark, like root beer, if the liver isn’t processing bile correctly. Stools are often lighter in color.There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional homecare services. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Skin & Nails
Many seniors who have liver disease often experience changes in skin and nail color. A purple rash on the lower legs is one of the main signs a doctor looks for when doing an external exam to see how well the liver is functioning. The skin may also have a yellow tint as bile builds up in the body.
Eyes
Your parent may report changes in night vision when he or she has liver disease. The whites of the eyes may have a yellow tinge. Your loved one may also develop tiny bumps on his or her eyelids.Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Des Moinesseniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
Stomach
Seniors may experience bloating when they have liver disease. The bloating may become so severe that it pushes up on the diaphragm, making it difficult to breathe. In particular, the doctor may suspect a liver problem if the legs swell or the breasts become enlarged.
Chronic Fatigue
Seniors who seem to never want to do anything because they’re always tired may have liver disease. Doctors think some forms of liver disease change neurotransmitters in the brain, causing people to feel like they want to sleep all the time.If you suspect your parent has liver disease, make sure he or she sees the doctor right away. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care Des Moines, IA, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of aging, reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Care Managers today at (515) 264-2438.