Question 1

my elderly mother has for years reported that she is cold (not just in winter) when it doesn't seem to me to be cold. i always do something to warm her up. is this only a peripheral problem? if her temperature were taken would it be likely to be low?

Accepted Answer

Can be 2/2 diseases: first you have to check the core temperature and it should be within normal , this feeling of coldness can be from different reasons exp, anemia and hypothyroidism and other reasons , so start with checking basic lab  exp CBC and TSH, in addition to CMB and liver function test

Question 2

what are causes of low oxygen in elderly?

Accepted Answer

Not normal: As we age, our lungs become less elastic and with aging changes, there is less transfer of oxygen, so more likely to have low oxygen levels. However, healthy elderly will not manifest with low oxygen levels unless there is underlying lung disease(ie emphysema) or an illness(ie pneumonia). If one is bedbound, there maybe less useable lung space, and lower oxygen levels may occur.

Question 3

what causes low oxygen levels in the elderly?

Accepted Answer

Same as adults: Any disease which can cause low oxygen saturation in adults will do in elderly. Pneumonia.  Sepsis from any other infection heart failure bronchitis and  atelectasis. Needs evaluation.

Question 4

what would cause a low pulse rate on an elderly person?

Accepted Answer

Many things: Medications are a common cause.  Electrical problems are another.  An ekg and discussion with your doc is definitely warranted. A low pulse associated with symptoms of low cardiac output or a pulse below 30 require immediate attention.

Question 5

can very low muscle mass in elderly female cause low gfr?

Accepted Answer

The Opposite: A low muscle mass generates less creatinine and results in a higher GFR calculation.

Question 6

what are the most likely causes for a new onset of low platelet count in a elderly man who takes meds for atrial fibrillation, gerd, and depression?

Accepted Answer

Few causes: It could be simple causes such medications, immune related platelet destruction (itp) or more complicated issues like bone marrow problems such as myelodysplasia.

Question 7

can you have low folic acid but normal iron and b12. does zyprexa, cipralex, xanax (alprazolam) for cause anemia in elderly.  can it reduce hemoglbin by 2 in 1 yr?

Accepted Answer

Anemia causes: Sure isolated folate (folic acid) deficiency like pregnancy hemolytic anemias drugs. The drugs mentioned do not cause drop in hemoglobin check with your hematologist.

Question 8

is it unusual (even if possible) for overlap myeloproliferative-myelodysplastic disorder to lower an elderly person's oral temperature below 36c for about 50% of his temp readings over 2 weeks?  the temperatures are highly likely to be accurate.

Accepted Answer

Many seniors: have NORMAL low basal temperatures and those with chronic diseases (even NON-MYELOPROLIFERATIVE disorders do NOT respond with the extremely HIGH fevers sustained by young people!
Just a thought for you to "keep in mind".
Hope it helps
Dr Z

Question 9

what causes an elderly person to wet their pants?

Accepted Answer

Incontinence: There are several types of incontinence: stress, urge &amp; overflow come to mind. Stress is more common in women while overflow is in men (think big prostate). Infection is common cause as is dementia (they don't know better or can't find toilet). Functional incontinence is someone who can't get to toilet in time. This is not same as urge. Think of someone who just had joint replacement.

Question 10

i'm an elderly person (17) and my vision keeps going blurry, last for a few seconds, and returns to normal. what could cause this?

Accepted Answer

Elderly at 17????: Blurred vision should be checked buy ophthalmologist. Do not neglect it!

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Doctor answers about:

Causes of low temperature in the elderly

A member asked:

My elderly mother has for years reported that she is cold (not just in winter) when it doesn't seem to me to be cold. i always do something to warm her up. is this only a peripheral problem? if her temperature were taken would it be likely to be low?

A member asked:

What are causes of low oxygen in elderly?

A member asked:

What causes low oxygen levels in the elderly?

A member asked:

What would cause a low pulse rate on an elderly person?

A member asked:

Can very low muscle mass in elderly female cause low gfr?

A member asked:

What are the most likely causes for a new onset of low platelet count in a elderly man who takes meds for atrial fibrillation, gerd, and depression?

A member asked:

Can you have low folic acid but normal iron and b12. does zyprexa, cipralex, xanax (alprazolam) for cause anemia in elderly. can it reduce hemoglbin by 2 in 1 yr?

A member asked:

Is it unusual (even if possible) for overlap myeloproliferative-myelodysplastic disorder to lower an elderly person's oral temperature below 36c for about 50% of his temp readings over 2 weeks? the temperatures are highly likely to be accurate.

A member asked:

What causes an elderly person to wet their pants?

A member asked:

I'm an elderly person (17) and my vision keeps going blurry, last for a few seconds, and returns to normal. what could cause this?

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