Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

266 •HOMEOPATHIC SELF-HELPHEALTH IN LATER LIFEAs people get older, they appreciate that health is somethingmore than just the good fortune to have a body in properworking order. Maintaining health into later life has to dowith genetic makeup, how a person has lived life so far, theircurrent lifestyle, and their relationships with family, friends,and with the community, on whom they may increasinglydepend if health deteriorates and energy levels fall. Healthand well-being in later life can be planned for,DISORDERDIZZINESSIn later life, dizziness is commonly due to postural hypotension(low blood pressure on standing or sitting) or drugs. It may beexacerbated by osteoarthritis (see page 196). More seriously,dizziness may be indicative of Parkinson’s disease (degenerationof nerve centers coordinating movement), cervical spondylosis(bony outgrowths on neck vertebrae restricting blood supply tothe brain), or arteriosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of arteries,especially those supplying the brain). These conditions affectbalance. Mild, early symptoms may respond to self-help remedies.SELF-HELP Stay physically active and maintain a good diet. Minimizethe risk of falls in the home by, for example, securing floor coveringsand fitting handrails on stairs.CAUTION If there is no improvement within two weeks, see a doctor.If dizziness increases rapidly, see a doctor within 24 hours. Ifdizziness causes a fall, see a doctor within two hours.CONFUSIONConfusion is characterized by an inability to organize thoughtscoherently and poor short-term memory. Elderly people are proneto confusion resulting from infection, alcohol, or drugs. Chronicconfusion may be due to dementia (see below). Sudden onset mayindicate a serious condition, such as hypothermia (fall in bodytemperature to less than 95°F/35°C), a stroke (see page 187), a braintumor, or hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood-sugar levels).SELF-HELP Make sure that the diet is balanced. Try using thebreathing techniques used in yoga to reduce stress.CAUTION If there is no improvement within three weeks, see adoctor. If there is acute confusion, see a doctor within 12 hours.SENILE DEMENTIAA general decline in mental ability is caused by the progressive lossof function of brain cells. This occurs if arteries supplying bloodto the brain become blocked, or as a result of a number of conditions,including Alzheimer’s disease and stroke (see page 187). One of the firstsymptoms is a deterioration in short-term memory so that it becomesincreasingly difficult to follow conversations or to read. As thecondition progresses, there is a gradual loss of interest in previouslyenjoyed pursuits, as well as mood swings. There may be a loss of socialor sexual inhibitions. Diagnosis needs care, since a deterioratingmental state may be due to a variety of medical conditions, dietarydeficiencies, the use of alcohol or drugs, or depression.SELF-HELP The diet should be balanced between proteins andcarbohydrates, and include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.CAUTION If symptoms persist beyond a month, see a doctor.SPECIFIC AILMENTDizziness after a fallor injuryDizziness with nauseaDizziness that is worsein cold weatherConfusion with suspicionConfusion with delusionsSenile dementia inpeople who were onceintellectually sharpSenile dementiawith suspicionSenile dementia in highlystrungpeoplePHYSICAL SYMPTOMS• Dizziness on standing up from a sittingor lying position• Dizziness better for lying down• Head movement creates a sensationas though everything is turning with it• Dizziness is worse for movement andis associated with nausea• Oversensitivity to noise that makes thedizziness worse • Chilliness• Dizziness with a tendency to fall forwardand sideways• Sensation as though the headis being compressed• General slowing down of physical activityso that tasks take a long time to complete• Weakness after eating• Tendency to lose weight even when eating well• Weakness when walking• Noises in the head that resemble explosions• Spasms in the neck or the bladderwhen urinating• Sensation as though the head is separatedfrom the body• Weakness and fatigue• Possible early stages of an enlarged prostategland in men• Slowing down of all movements• Craving for sweet foods• Susceptibility to digestive problems such asbloating, excessive flatulence, and constipation• Fullness after eating only small amountsof food• Generally thin and withered appearance• Numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes• Burning pains, especially in the stomach• Desire for salt and ice-cold drinks