Top » Medicine & Health

Diagnosis of Anemia in the Elderly

In American Family Physician, Dr. Douglas L. Smith from the University of Wisconsin Medical School says anemia in the elderly should not be considered as a consequence of aging. He states that most elder people have normal levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin, and in 80% of cases of lower levels, other causes are discovered. Dr. Smith extensively covers the four most common causes of anemia in the elderly: chronic diseases, iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, and folate deficiency. By using tables and figures, Dr. Smith recommends that clinicians should pay closer attention to certain symptoms, diseases, and tests in the diagnosis and proper treatment of anemia in the elderly. For example, the doctor notes that giving iron supplements to someone with chronic disease anemia wouldn't be helpful.

Tue, 17 Oct 2000 09:15:11 -0700

Submitted by: Dino Manalis