Kidney disease can cut time off your elderly loved one’s life. How much time depends on a number of factors.
For instance, it depends on your elderly loved one’s age, sex, and what stage of the disease they are in. There has been a lot of research done that helps doctors determine how long a person might live after being diagnosed with kidney disease. However, it is important to remember that everyone is different and doctors might not be able to offer you the exact length of time that your elderly loved one can live with this disease. However, doctors usually can give you a general timeframe.
Kidney Disease Stages
There are 5 stages of kidney disease. However, the third stage is usually broken down into two different stages. Most experts determine stages by measuring a person’s glomerular filtration rate, also known as GFR. This lets them understand how a person’s kidneys are functioning and what stage of kidney disease the patient is in currently.
Stages 1 and 2 – Early Warnings
Typically, a person who has a GFR above 90mL/min is in stage one kidney disease. In addition, people with a GFR of 60-89mL/min fall into stage 2. This is when the person will usually begin noticing minor symptoms. Normally, if kidney disease is caught during stage 1 or 2 there isn’t any significant damage done.
Stages 3, 4, and 5 – Getting Closer to Kidney Failure
A person who has a GFR between 59-30mL/min is classified as having stage 3 kidney disease. Their symptoms become more severe. They might also be facing the risk of end-stage renal disease. When a person nears the end of stage 3, they have only about 15 points to go before reaching stage 5 kidney disease. Unfortunately, after a person is in stage 4 kidney disease, it isn’t long before they are in stage 5.
Life Expectancy Based on Sex
Many studies show the life expectancy for someone with kidney disease varies depending on sex and age. Some studies show a 60-year old man who has stage 1 kidney disease will live about 15 years. However, a 60-year old woman with stage 1 kidney disease has a life expectancy of 18 years. Based on these studies, life expectancy is generally greater for a woman than a man.
Conclusion
It can be difficult taking care of your elderly loved one if they have kidney disease. However, there are resources available and senior care providers who can assist you along the way. Don’t hesitate to ask for help and support if you start feeling overwhelmed.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Caregiver in Mount Laurel, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Attentive Care Inc. 1-800-493-5660
Sources
Niddk.nih.gov
Cdc.gov