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Anaemia in the elderly – an often forgotten problem
[14 February 2012 - 17h42]
Elderly people are not especially at risk of iron deficiency. However, this deficiency, and the anaemia that can accompany it, are not so rare in this age group. This is because there is a common tendency to undernourishment, due more often to lack of appetite than lack of means. And this can sometimes lead to nutritional insufficiency.
Unfortunately, undernourishment often goes unnoticed among the elderly. Warning symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, palpitations and breathlessness, are very common, but not very specific. They are often considered quite ordinary or even normal and so fail to act as warning signs.
So, it is up to those with elderly relatives or friends to look out for the possibility of anaemia. And if you have the slightest doubt, contact a doctor to arrange a blood test. Because, although this problem is worrying and can have potentially serious consequences, it is easy to treat.
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