[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/are-people-with-alzheimers-immunocompromised\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/are-people-with-alzheimers-immunocompromised\/","headline":"Are People with Alzheimer\u2019s Immunocompromised?","name":"Are People with Alzheimer\u2019s Immunocompromised?","description":"Alzheimer\u2019s: Physical Health Effects Alzheimer\u2019s disease can impact lives in many ways. When many of us think of Alzheimer\u2019s or […]","datePublished":"2022-04-07","dateModified":"2024-11-11","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/author\/ceastway\/#Person","name":"Developer","url":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/author\/ceastway\/","identifier":1,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8ea7fc410413ee0b715aee4c6b2d912c09623af5f85eaca6f6d7e0a2c223e1df?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8ea7fc410413ee0b715aee4c6b2d912c09623af5f85eaca6f6d7e0a2c223e1df?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Fox Trail Memory Care","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"http:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/logo.png","url":"http:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/logo.png","width":474,"height":250}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/holding-seniors-hands.jpg","url":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/holding-seniors-hands.jpg","height":504,"width":768},"url":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/are-people-with-alzheimers-immunocompromised\/","about":["dementia"],"wordCount":820,"articleBody":"Alzheimer\u2019s: Physical Health EffectsAlzheimer\u2019s disease can impact lives in many ways. When many of us think of Alzheimer\u2019s or dementia, we think of how it affects memory. Although it\u2019s important to consider memory support when living with Alzheimer\u2019s, it\u2019s not the only concern.In addition to the emotional and mental effects, Alzheimer\u2019s disease can challenge physical health. Although many services focus on psychological and physical wellbeing, caregivers also need to consider immune health.Wellness can be more complicated for immunocompromised seniors.What Does Immunocompromised Mean?Being immunocompromised, or having an immune deficiency, means your immune system isn\u2019t working as it should. Like a trampoline with a loose spring or a clock with a jammed gear, immune deficiency makes it difficult for your immune system to operate normally.The immune system is one of the most complex body systems, made of multiple organs, tissues, and cells. It naturally changes over time and can experience periods of weakness. A temporarily weakened immune system isn\u2019t the same as an immune deficiency.For example, after fighting off the flu, the virus may have weakened your immune system. However, unless you suffer from immunodeficiency, your immune system will repair itself and return to normal.An immunocompromised person still has a functioning immune system, but it may not function well. As a result, it\u2019s easier to get sick and harder to get better. Immune deficiencies can cause repeated illnesses or severe infections. It also increases the chance of more severe symptoms.Immunocompromised people also tend to experience:BronchitisPneumoniaInflammationBlood disordersDigestive issuesSkin infectionsMeningitisAn immunocompromised person may have primary or secondary immune deficiency.Primary ImmunodeficiencyPrimary immunodeficiency (PI) means you\u2019re both with it. It can be genetic, or it may occur spontaneously. It isn\u2019t caused by infection or disease.Typically, primary immunodeficiency is detected soon after birth. However, some people with a mild form may experience fewer symptoms or may not be diagnosed until adulthood.Secondary ImmunodeficiencySecondary immunodeficiency is caused by infection, disease, or injury. People can develop secondary immunodeficiency at any age.Some of the more common causes of secondary immunodeficiency are:Radiation or chemotherapyViruses (including HIV)MalnutritionLeukemia (hypogammaglobulinemia)Immunosuppressant medicationChronic diseaseSevere burnsAlzheimer\u2019s & Immune RisksNot all people with dementia or Alzheimer\u2019s disease are immunocompromised. However, they are at a higher risk of having or developing immune deficiencies.AgingAs we age, our bodies create fewer immune cells to help us recognize and fight infections or diseases. As a result, seniors experience reduced production of immune cells, increasing the risk of getting sick.Although Alzheimer\u2019s is not a normal part of the aging process, aging is the most significant risk factor for developing the condition. Every 5 years after age 65, the number of people living with Alzheimer\u2019s doubles.Aging adults have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer\u2019s alongside a weakened immune system.DiabetesDiabetes can have many effects on body health, including the immune system. When diabetes damages cells due to an inflammatory response, it can cause hyperglycemia. The condition then contributes to immune system dysfunction, making it challenging to stop invading pathogens.People with diabetes are at a greater risk of cognitive decline:People with type 1 diabetes are 93% more likely to develop dementia.People with higher blood sugar levels (type 2 diabetes) have an increased risk of Alzheimer\u2019s disease.MedicationImmunosuppressant drugs are medications that suppress or reduce immune system capabilities. Immunosuppressants can be prescribed to treat various health conditions, from autoimmune diseases to organ transplants to allergies.Allergies occur when your body\u2019s immune system responds to substances like dogs, dust, or dandelions. As a result, some medications alleviate allergy symptoms by targeting your immune system. The medication suppresses inflammation by suppressing your immune response.Medications or drugs causing immunosuppression include:CorticosteroidsTNF blockersChemotherapyMonoclonal antibodiesHygieneGood hygiene is the first defense against infections and negative health effects. On the opposite end, bad hygiene leads to an increased rate of infections and diseases. When the immune system constantly fights illness, it can weaken, leaving seniors vulnerable to more severe symptoms.People with Alzheimer\u2019s disease or dementia often have difficulty completing personal hygiene routines. If your loved one forgets daily hygiene or personal grooming, they may need assistance from a caregiver.Healthy Living with Fox Trail Memory CareMaking health decisions can be challenging, even more so for people living with Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Seniors with memory problems need caregivers and community support to protect their health.At Fox Trail Memory Care, we\u2019re committed to creating a safe space where our residents feel comfortable and safe. Part of ensuring their safety is prioritizing their health, and we\u2019re here to provide individual experiences for the best care. Contact us to schedule a visit or to learn more about our communities and services."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Are People with Alzheimer\u2019s Immunocompromised?","item":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/are-people-with-alzheimers-immunocompromised\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]