The Basics of Senior Kidney Disease

Posted on March 24, 2015 by Flora Umukoro

As National Kidney Month comes to a close, leading provider of senior care in Tracy, Home Care Assistance, wants to ensure family caregivers have all the information they need to help their senior loved one’s stay healthy.

Essentials of Kidney Function

The function of these two bean-shaped organs, containing microscopic nephrons, is to filter blood and eliminate waste and excess water in the form of urine. Tubes called ureters carry the urine from the kidneys to the bladder where it stays until it’s passed during a trip to the restroom.

How Kidney Disease Occurs

In most cases, disease strikes the nephrons, which become incapacitated to a greater or lesser extent, causing a disruption in the removal of waste. This occurs for a variety of reasons, and the disease can be sudden or gradually progressive.

Causes and Risk Factors

Everything you consume enters your blood stream. Besides a few genetic factors, causes can include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers, also known as NSAIDs. Taken over a prolonged period in high doses, NSAIDs reduce blood flow to the kidneys and damage the nephrons.
• High sodium diets. Consuming too much salt can put a senior at risk of developing high blood pressure, which in turn can damage kidneys.
• Cola beverages. Research shows that two or more of these a day over the years increases kidney stone formation, causing damage to kidneys.
• Cigarette smoking
• Elevated levels of blood sugar harm the kidneys, and diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the U.S.

Prevention and Treatment

Adapting a healthy lifestyle is crucial in reducing the risk of chronic kidney diseases. Simple urine tests that measure the levels of albumin, called ACR (Albumin Creatinine Ratio) are useful in helping with timely diagnosis. A few kidney diseases are treatable, but most cases of chronic renal disease require long-term management to reduce symptoms and slow down its progression.

It can be tough for seniors to make big lifestyle changes. A live-in or part-time caregiver in Tracy can help your senior loved one with mobility support during exercises, cook healthy meals, pick up medications and provide medication reminders, and offer mental and emotional support. Learn more by calling (209) 650-8500 to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Care Manager.