Exposure to ticks means an increased risk of contracting Lyme disease. Lyme disease can be difficult to treat, let alone diagnose. It is often called the “Great Imitator” because its symptoms resemble other illnesses like fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
This can make it even more challenging to diagnose in older patients that are more likely to have one of these other illnesses and a compromised immune system. Let’s examine how Lyme disease in elderly patients may manifest differently.
Symptoms of Lyme disease:
Lyme disease can cause a wide range of symptoms. If you have been in an area where ticks are prevalent, it’s important to be aware of these potential symptoms of early Lyme disease:
- Erythema migrans or “bull’s eye rash”
- Fever chills
- Headaches and body aches
- Muscle and joint pain
- Fatigue
- Issues with sleep
- Swollen lymph nodes
Symptoms of chronic Lyme disease can include:
- Issues with the central nervous system, including psychiatric and cognitive symptoms
- Dizziness and shortness of breath
- Joint pain swelling
- Facial palsy, or paralysis of one side of the face
- Arrhythmia, or heart palpitations
- Neck stiffness and severe headaches
These symptoms can affect Lyme disease patients of any age. Are symptoms of Lyme disease different in older people? While older patients may not have different symptoms than those in younger populations, they may experience a higher prevalence of symptoms. They also are more likely to have comorbidities with other diseases that become more common with age.
Lyme disease in elderly patients: The risks
One of the biggest concerns of Lyme disease in elderly patients is if the infection increases the risk of complications or long-term symptoms.
A study at the University Medical Center, Ljubljana, in Slovenia, found that elderly patients (ages 65 and older) had slower healing of Erythema migrans rashes and a higher chance of having unfavorable outcomes after treatment.
This was demonstrated by reviewing the records of 1,220 patients. At a 12-month follow-up visit, researchers found that 6.6% of middle-aged patients did not fully respond to treatment compared to 7.8% of elderly patients.
Lyme carditis in seniors
Another potential concern of Lyme disease in older populations is its effect on the heart. Lyme carditis is when the Lyme bacteria, typically Borrelia burgdorferi, enters tissues in the heart. This can lead to what’s called “heart block,” caused by an interference with the electric signals that coordinate the beating of the heart.
Symptoms of Lyme carditis include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, fainting, light-headedness, and other typical Lyme symptoms. This occurs in about one out of 100 reported cases of Lyme disease. While it does have potential complications, Lyme carditis is typically treatable.
While there is little research to determine whether Lyme carditis may disproportionately affect older populations, it may make them more susceptible to this complication because of pre-existing conditions that may be present. One study suggests that it may be common in people above the age of 75.
Treating Lyme disease in older populations:
Most cases of early Lyme disease can be treated using antibiotics. In order to receive proper treatment, you first need to get accurate testing. IGeneX offers the most accurate and comprehensive Lyme disease tests available. This is especially important when treating the elderly, as it can be more difficult to diagnose them, as they may have weaker immune systems. Lyme disease in elderly patients can lead to more complicated paths to treatment.
If symptoms persist after initial treatment, or someone never received antibiotics, then they may need more long-term care. Chronic Lyme disease treatment varies from person to person, and between providers.
Of course, the best treatment is preventing Lyme disease in the first place. When in tick territory, you can help avoid tick bites by:
- Steering clear of tick habitats like grassy areas
- Wearing long socks, sleeves, pants, and well-fitting shoes
- Using bug spray with DEET or lemon-eucalyptus oil
- Thoroughly checking your body and pets for ticks after possible exposure
Even if you have been diagnosed with Lyme disease, you should still take precautions against ticks that can potentially transmit other tick-borne diseases besides Lyme disease. Lyme disease can be daunting, but knowing your options can make all the difference in treatment.