Possible Causes of Alopecia in Elderly Women
Senior Living in Hill Country Village, TX
As people age, the growth rate of their hair decreases, so hair loss in elderly women may not be something to worry about. The hair quality also changes a great deal throughout age, but there are some factors that may lead to a common cause of hair loss in aging women, known as alopecia. This type of hair loss may be caused by a number of different reasons, including medications, genetics and/or certain health problems. An important factor of senior care is understanding the possible causes of alopecia in women as well as possible ways to lessen the amount of hair loss.
Health Conditions Associated with Alopecia
Alopecia in elderly women may have a direct relation to a health condition or a disease. In addition to certain health conditions, the medications used to treat the illness may also trigger hair loss. It is also common for some people to not take their required medications in attempts to prevent the loss of their hair. In this type of situation, it is beneficial to have medication reminders for your mother in assisted living.
Hypothyroidism is a hormonal condition that prevents the thyroid hormone from being properly regulated, which may lead to the rapid loss of hair. Typically, women with hypothyroidism will have considerable amounts of hair thinning, while someone with a serious form of hypothyroidism may experience hair falling out in large chunks. It is important to keep in mind that when medications are taken as prescribed, the hair loss typically stops.
Diabetes is also a common cause of alopecia in elderly women. In many cases the stress associated with the illness causes the hair to stop growing and new growth is slow. Effective senior care in an assisted living facility may help to reduce the stress related to diabetes and effective management of the disease may help to improve the hair loss.
One of the most common causes of alopecia is an iron deficiency. The iron deficiency may be due to a poor health condition and/or a poor diet. Many people who improve their eating habits often find an improvement in the rate of hair growth. If you are concerned about whether your aging parent is eating healthy or not, consider the benefits of an assisted living facility for meeting all of her needs.
Alopecia in elderly women may be combination of several things or it may be the result of a more serious health problem. For this reason, it is essential that you encourage your aging parent to talk with their doctor to rule out any unknown problems. Your mother can receive help with the symptoms of alopecia while she is living in an assisted living facility. For example, assistance is provided with bathing and personal hygiene which ensures your parent is using a proper cleansing method for their hair, as well as 3 meals a day and peace of mind knowing your elderly loved one is safe and secure.
Source
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Alopecia_Areata/
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