Will Smith’s recent spectacle at this year's Oscars spotlighted a medical condition known as alopecia, which presents as hair loss and balding. Hair loss is something that both men and women face as they age. As people age, the growth rate of hair follicles decreases. More prominent in men, almost 80% of men in their late 60s show substantial thinning of the hair. After menopause, women start to notice hair loss and thinning as well.
Alopecia can occur at any age and can affect just your scalp or your entire body. It can be temporary or permanent. Sudden hair loss can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition that requires treatment. Some common causes of hair loss in the elderly include:
- Heredity. Some people are more genetically prone to hair loss.
- Iron Deficiency
- Hypothyroidism. A hormonal condition where the thyroid is not regulated properly and may be caused by an underlying autoimmune disorder can increase hair loss.
- Diabetes
- Vitamin Deficiency. Specifically, low intakes of Vitamin A, Vitamins B6 and B12, Vitamin C, Iron and Zinc can lead to hair loss.
- Medications. Some medications such as blood thinners, chemotherapy drugs, and drugs containing allopurinol can lead to hair loss.
While many cases of hair loss are a normal part of aging and do not need to cause concern, sudden hair loss, especially in patches, may need medical investigation into potential underlying causes. Some treatments for normal hair loss include minoxidil, an androgen receptor blocking medication, and finasteride which slows down DHT, a hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink in size.
If your hair loss is causing concern, talk to your primary care physician. New treatments and preventative approaches are constantly being developed. For more information on issues pertaining to senior care and elder law contact the compassionate attorneys at Stouffer Legal in the Greater Baltimore area. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at (443) 470-3599 or emailing us at office@stoufferlegal.com.
