Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that triggers a reaction in the body when wheat gluten is ingested. While the condition has been well-studied in children, there has been little research conducted on seniors with celiac disease. Surprisingly, it is possible for the elderly to develop celiac disease in their golden years, even if they have gone their whole lives with no intolerance. Knowing that CD is a possibility for seniors to get has helped many family caregivers work with doctors to diagnose it in their aging loved ones.

Recognizing the symptoms of celiac disease in seniors is more difficult than in younger populations because the typical red flags seem to present in a more mild form in the elderly. While children may suffer from severe abdominal pain, gas and bloating, seniors experience lighter gastrointestinal symptoms on average. Research shows that the symptoms of CD in seniors are often misunderstood, leading to misdiagnosis.

Here are 5 symptoms of celiac disease that family caregivers, family members and senior care aides should be on the lookout for.

1. Gastrointestinal Distress

Bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation and stomach cramps are the most common symptoms of celiac disease. However, in many seniors, these effects are not very prominent, which causes the family caregiver, senior care aide and even the elderly person to assume nothing is seriously wrong and it’s just a typical upset stomach recurrence. If caregivers note gastrointestinal distress along with other symptoms, it could clue them in to looking further at the possibility of CD.

2. Weight Loss and Malnutrition

While it’s normal for elderly loved ones to experience a reduction in appetite and the number of calories consumed, significant weight loss is a clear warning sign that something is amiss. Celiac disease targets the small intestine, which is the organ responsible for absorbing nutrients into the body. When that process is disrupted by CD, it can result in malnourished seniors and an increase in health problems and difficulty maintaining a healthy weight.

3. Chameleon Symptoms

Older adults often have atypical symptoms that people don’t normally associate with celiac disease. These symptoms often look like something else, from simple age-related issues to those that look like other diseases like arthritis or acid reflux. Atypical symptoms for older adults with CD include skin rashes, mouth ulcers, headaches, fatigue, tingling in feet and hands, joint pain and heartburn.

4. Diagnosis of Anemia

While anemia can only be diagnosed by a doctor, family caregivers may be able to help them put the pieces together. Anemia is when the body experiences a deficiency in iron and other micronutrients. Studies show that up to 80 percent of seniors with celiac disease also have anemia, so it’s a good warning sign for family caregivers. If they know their aging loved one is exhibiting other celiac disease symptoms, plus a recent anemia diagnosis, they can make inquiries about further investigations into the possibility of CD.

5. Other Autoimmune Issues

The likelihood of an elderly person contracting another autoimmune disease along with celiac disease is high. Autoimmune thyroid disorders are the most common, but there are many other conditions that often manifest in seniors with CD. Again, family caregivers can help elderly loved ones with a recent diagnosis of one condition to explore the possibility of celiac disease if other symptoms are present.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in Oakwood, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

Source:

https://www.celiac.com/articles/22811/1/Celiac-Disease-in-the-Elderly/Page1.html

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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