Chronic Conditions

Living with an ongoing health condition can be challenging, but it doesn’t mean you can’t lead a full and happy life. Learn what you can do to manage your symptoms and avoid complications.

Chronic Diseases in Older Adults

Aging increases the risk of chronic diseases such as dementia, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and cancer.

Arthritis

Arthritis, also called osteoarthritis, is a breakdown of the cartilage that cushions your joints. When the cartilage wears down, your bones rub against each other. This causes pain and stiffness. Many people have some arthritis as they age. Arthritis most often affects the joints of the spine, hands, hips, knees, or feet. Learn more about arthritis.

Dementia

Dementia is not a specific disease but is rather a term for the loss of memory and other cognitive abilities that interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal aging. Learn more about Memory Care.

Cancer

Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Many kinds of cancers can be prevented or caught early. Learn more about cancer.

Kaiser Permanente Cancer Care

At Kaiser Permanente, you have an experienced team of cancer specialists working together to care for all that is you. From cancer detection to recovery, Kaiser Permanente’s high-quality care team is by your side. Our total health approach to cancer care focuses on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Learn more.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which you have too much sugar (glucose) in your blood and the sugar stays in the blood rather than entering the body's cells to be used for energy. This results in high blood sugar. Over time, high blood sugar can harm many parts of the body, such as your eyes, heart, blood vessels, nerves, and kidneys. It can also increase your risk for other health problems (complications). Learn more about type 2 diabetes.

Heart Disease

Heart disease (also known as coronary artery disease) happens when fatty deposits called plaque build up inside the coronary arteries of your heart. This process of plaque buildup is called hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis. Plaque buildup may reduce blood flow to the heart muscle. Like any muscle, the heart needs blood to work well. Poor blood flow can cause angina symptoms, such as chest pain or pressure. If the plaque breaks apart, it can cause a heart attack. Learn more about Heart Health.

Kaiser Permanente Members

Kaiser Permanente’s Chronic Conditions Management Programs help you succeed in managing your condition so you can lead a healthy and active life.

Programs include:

Adult Asthma Care Management
Cardiovascular Risk Management
Chronic Pain Care Management Program
Complex Chronic Conditions Case Management
Diabetes Care Management
Heart Failure Care Management

Learn more about our programs or explore classes to help you manage chronic conditions.