Fibromyalgia is a disorder than can affect people of any age, including older adults. It is a very common condition that affects the bones and muscles. However, it’s not understood very well, even by doctors and scientists. Because of that, family caregivers may not recognize it when it occurs in an older family member.
It may be mistaken as other conditions, such as arthritis. Understanding more about the disorder may help you to get your older family member the help they need.
Causes and Risk Factors
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown at this time. However, doctors believe it is probably a combination of things, including:
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Genes: Usually, fibromyalgia strikes more than one person in a family, which means that there could be a genetic mutation that is involved.
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Infections: Doctors and scientists have observed that some illnesses appear to trigger the disorder or make it worse.
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Trauma: Having gone through a physical or emotional trauma seems to be linked to the onset of fibromyalgia in some people.
The brains of people with fibromyalgia seem to be changed by recurring nerve stimulation in a couple of ways:
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An increase in certain chemicals in the brain that transmit pain signals.
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Pain receptors in the brain become more sensitive.
Certain people are more likely to develop fibromyalgia because of risk factors they have. Risk factors for fibromyalgia include:
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Gender: Women get fibromyalgia more often than men do.
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Family History: Again, fibromyalgia typically occurs more than once within a family, so if someone else in the older adult’s family has had fibromyalgia, it is more likely they will get it.
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Other Health Problems: Certain other health problems, such as osteoarthritis and lupus, make people more likely to develop fibromyalgia.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia can be difficult to spot because its primary symptoms may also occur in other health problems and disorders. The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are:
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Widespread Pain: People with fibromyalgia often describe having a constant low-level of pain. The pain has to have been present for at least 3 months for a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. It must also occur on both sides of the body and above and below the waist.
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Fatigue: Fatigue is a feeling of persistent tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest. People with fibromyalgia may wake up after several hours of sleep and still feel tired. They may also have disrupted sleep because of the pain or have other sleep problems, like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.
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Cognitive Issues: Fibromyalgia can make it difficult to concentrate or pay attention.;
If your older family member is diagnosed with fibromyalgia, hiring senior care through an agency can make their lives easier. A senior care provider can assist them with tasks that may be difficult because of pain, such as vacuuming or making meals. Because senior care providers can assist with tasks around the house, an older adult with fibromyalgia can rest when they are feeling fatigued and not worrying about keeping up with housework.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care in Novi, MI, or the surrounding area, please contact the caring staff at CareOne Senior Care today. Call us at (248) 308-2777.
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