What is Age Disease?
"Age disease" isn't a single, medically recognized term. The phrase is used informally to describe various conditions and illnesses that become more prevalent or severe with increasing age. Therefore, the answer depends on the context. Let's explore some interpretations:
Many diseases are strongly associated with aging. These aren't caused by age itself, but the accumulated effects of time on the body increase susceptibility. Examples include:
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Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): This eye disease blurs central vision due to damage to the macula, a part of the eye crucial for sharp vision. Source: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/age-related-macular-degeneration Risk factors include heart disease. Source: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/amd-macular-degeneration
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Alzheimer's Disease: A progressive brain disorder causing memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. While it's more common in older adults, younger-onset forms exist. Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-symptoms-and-diagnosis/what-are-signs-alzheimers-disease and Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/alzheimers/art-20048356
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Heart Disease: The heart and blood vessels undergo changes with age, increasing the risk of various heart conditions. Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/heart-health/heart-health-and-aging
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Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis): Gradual loss of hearing with age. Source: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-loss
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Parkinson's Disease: A degenerative brain condition causing tremors, rigidity, and movement problems. It's considered age-related because its risk increases with age. Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8525-parkinsons-disease-an-overview
Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE): A Specific Example
In the context of the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), "AGE illness" refers to acute gastroenteritis, a common gastrointestinal infection. The VSP defines it as: three or more loose stools within 24 hours (or more than usual), or vomiting with symptoms such as diarrhea, bloody stool, muscle ache, headache, abdominal cramps, or fever. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/vessel-sanitation/php/data-research/index.html While anyone can experience AGE, outbreaks on cruise ships highlight its potential to affect many people simultaneously.
Conclusion
The term "age disease" is too broad for a precise definition. It encompasses numerous conditions whose prevalence or severity is linked to aging. Understanding specific age-related diseases requires considering individual conditions and their causes, risk factors, and treatments.
