What Is Arthritis And How Does It Affect The Body

Arthritis is inflammation in the joints resulting from a variety of different causes including diseases, infections, and genetic defects. The inflammation can cause pain and stiffness in one or more joints, as well as swelling in the surrounding tissues. Arthritis pain typically worsens with age and can greatly affect one's quality of life if not managed properly.

The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the cartilage in the joints. As we age, the cartilage that surrounds our bones starts to wear down, thus resulting in bone surfaces rubbing against one another and causing pain and discomfort. It typically affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips, but can also wreak havoc on other areas of the body like the fingers and elbows. One suffering from osteoarthritis is at risk of developing bone spurs which are growths on the bone that can cause muscle and nerve damage.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the lining of the joints, referred to as the synovial membrane. As the membrane gets worn down, the cartilage and bone in the joint becomes severely weakened and eventually destroyed. Parts of the body that are typically affected by rheumatoid arthritis are the fingers, wrists, elbows, and knees, although the disease can also affect other areas of the body like the lungs, eyes, and skin. Women between the ages of 30 and 50 are at the highest risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis, although it affects men and the elderly as well.

Severe arthritis can make it extremely difficult to perform daily tasks such as bathing, getting dressed, preparing meals, or running errands. Visiting Angels can help assist your loved one with a variety of different tasks in the comfort of their own home. Our fully-trained, compassionate homecare providers will work with your family to develop a plan to suit the individualized needs of your loved one. Our caregivers are flexible and will work around your schedule to provide the most positive experience for you and your loved one. Visiting Angels is here to make living with arthritis more manageable and to improve your loved one's quality of life.

Early Warning Signs: When to Call the Doctor About Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s disease is a complex, progressive, and irreversible brain disorder that attacks both memory and judgment. Not only does this disease cripple one’s ability to carry out common, everyday tasks, but it is also incredibly dangerous if left untreated. Although there is no known cure, there are options for slowing the effects and improving the quality of life if recognized early enough. Below is a list of the most common warning signs and how to proceed.


Memory loss that interferes with daily life

This is probably the most common sign of the Alzheimer’s disease. Everyone forgets things from time to time, but if you notice it happening on a consistent basis it may be a major warning sign. Things to look for in particular are: difficulty with remembering important dates and special events, forgetting to pay bills, getting lost easily, or constantly needing to be reminded of the same thing over and over.

Changes in personality

Quite often, people with Alzheimer’s will undergo severe changes in mood and personality. They may become easily disturbed at home or at work for no good reason. You may even notice them become suspicious, fearful, worried, or even violent towards friends and loved ones.

Disorientation and constant confusion

A normal person might occasionally forget what day of the week it is, but people with Alzheimer’s deeply struggle to grasp the passage of time. Calendar dates and understanding the changing of seasons might easily confuse them. They may also struggle to accomplish simple, everyday tasks such as getting dressed, tying their shoes, or cooking meals. Disorientation is also very typical. People with Alzheimer’s can easily get lost in their own neighborhood or struggle to figure out where they are and how they got there.

Lack of hygiene and social withdrawal

Often times the most common symptoms are the most obvious ones. Because they are confused by everyday tasks, people with Alzheimer’s may stop bathing, combing their hair, brushing their teeth, or even dressing appropriately. They may fail to recognize close friends and family and therefore give up on social activities or their favorite hobbies.

Misplacing things

It is common for people with Alzheimer’s to put things in strange places. They might place their shoes in the oven and even accuse you of stealing from them. Normal people often misplace things now and again, but the major difference is that Alzheimer’s sufferers lack the ability to logically retrace their steps and locate things.

Seek help early

Attempting to diagnose a loved one or someone in your care with Alzheimer’s disease can be an incredibly difficult and emotional task. Knowing the warning signs and seeking professional help early is crucial in dealing with this disease. For more information call the Visiting Angels staff today at 800-365-4189.