Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Senile alopecia is a form of hair loss that occurs at an advanced age and is caused by the natural ageing process. It is characterized by a general thinning of the hair over the entire scalp without clearly defined bald patches. This type of hair loss affects both men and women and is a natural part of ageing.
The main cause of senile alopecia is the slowing down of cell regeneration processes in the body that occurs with increasing age. Hair follicles become smaller and produce finer, less dense hair. Hormonal changes also play a role, as the production of hormones that support hair growth decreases with age. Genetic factors and reduced blood flow to the scalp also contribute to this process.
The symptoms of senile alopecia include a gradual and uniform thinning of the hair over the entire scalp. The scalp hair becomes thinner, weaker and loses volume. In contrast to androgenetic alopecia, where specific bald patches develop, the hair loss in senile alopecia is more evenly distributed, resulting in less voluminous hair overall.
There is no cure for senile alopecia as it is a natural part of the ageing process. Treatments focus on slowing down hair loss and improving the health of the remaining hair. A balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, can strengthen the hair follicles. The use of special hair care products that strengthen and protect the hair can also be helpful. In some cases, drug treatments such as minoxidil can help to slow down hair loss and promote hair growth again.