A diagnosis of anemia means the body is low in hemoglobin. This is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen through the body. Anemia is common in older adults but often goes undiagnosed. If your aging loved one seems unusually tired, weak, or just “not themselves,” it’s worth investigating if anemia is part of the picture. It’s often an indication that something else is amiss in the body.
The warning signs are typically vague symptoms that can easily be missed: fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, or even confusion. The symptoms might come on gradually. But in the long term they can affect your family member’s ability to be active, think clearly, or follow their usual routine.
In a basic sense, anemia means the body is either not producing enough red blood cells or is too rapidly losing them. Especially in older adults, there can be multiple causes, including
- poor nutrition. Not getting enough iron, vitamin B12, or folate
- chronic health conditions. Kidney disease, cancers, stomach ulcers, and bone marrow disorders
- medications. Regular use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, leading to GI-tract bleeding
- injury. Accidents can cause slow, internal bleeding
If your loved one shows signs of fatigue or weakness, have their doctor do a “complete blood count” (CBC) test. If the results indicate anemia, ask the doctor to pursue the root cause(s) so that the full picture is considered and your relative receives appropriate treatment. Depending on the culprit, you or another caregiver may need to help your relative stick to a more balanced diet, manage medications carefully, and/or address an underlying disease. Make sure they get a follow-up appointment with the doctor to check their progress. With the right care, anemia is treatable and manageable.