Many Older Adults Suffer Undiagnosed Anemia

Anemia affects many older adults but is often overlooked by physicians.

Anemia is Often Misdiagnosed in Older Adults

Anemia is a common condition among older adults, with about 12.5% of people over 60 affected. However, many doctors fail to recognize it during routine checkups. Gary Sergott, a 78-year-old retired nurse anesthetist, experienced severe fatigue due to hereditary anemia and found traditional oral iron treatments ineffective. After switching to intravenous iron infusions, he noticed a significant improvement. Experts like William Ershler from the University of Connecticut warn that anemia symptoms are often dismissed as natural aging, further complicating diagnosis and treatment. Many cases remain undocumented in patient records, hindering timely intervention. Although iron tablets are common, the cost of intravenous iron can range from $350 to $2,400 per treatment, which may pose a financial barrier for some patients. Awareness of anemia is crucial, as untreated cases can lead to severe health risks, including heart attacks and strokes.

The ongoing neglect of anemia in aging populations reflects broader healthcare challenges. Many doctors mistakenly attribute fatigue and weakness to natural aging, which can delay critical diagnosis and treatment. With changes in healthcare guidelines on managing iron deficiency underway, there is hope for better recognition of anemia's impact. As emphasized by experts, improving understanding of anemia not only enhances patient quality of life but also reduces the risk of severe complications. Anemia should not be accepted as just another symptom of getting older. Rather, it is a treatable condition that requires urgent attention to improve geriatric healthcare outcomes.

Highlights

Anemia awareness is critical for effective treatment and improved health in older adults.