Key Terms
Alzheimer's disease-
a form of dementia that causes progressive changes in brain cells. Individuals with AD lack a neurotransmitter, or chemical, that allows messages to pass between nerve cells in the brain.
Bronchitis-
which the bronchioles become inflamed, decrease the efficiency and function of the respiratory system even more severely.
Dementia-
called brain syndrome, is a loss of mental ability characterized by a decrease in intellectual ability, loss of memory, impaired judgment, personality change, and disorientation. When the symptoms are caused by high fever, kidney infection, dehydration, hypoxia (lack of oxygen), drug toxicity, or other
Geriatric care-
Geriatric care is care provided to older individuals. Through the study of the aging process and the elderly, many facts on aging have been established. However, many myths, or false beliefs, still exist regarding aging and elderly individuals.
Nocturia-
Nocturia, or urination at night, is common and disrupts the sleep pattern. Retention of urine in the bladder causes bladder infections.
Arteriosclerosis-
a condition in which the walls of blood vessels become thick and lose their elasticity, is common in elderly individuals. If the vessels become narrow because of deposits of fat and minerals, such as calcium, the condition is called atherosclerosis
Cataracts-
where the normally transparent lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque.
Disability-
A disability is defined as a physical or mental defect or handicap that interferes with normal functions. Hearing impairments, visual defects, or the inability to walk caused by a fractured hip
Gerontology-
Gerontology is the scientific study of aging and the problems of the old.
Ombudsman-
One program the federal government developed that impacts the health care industry is the Ombudsman Program. It exists to ensure the rights of the elderly
Arthritis-
an inflammation of the joints, causes the joints to become stiff, less flexible, and painful.
Cerebrovascular accident-
an result in permanent paralysis of one side of the body, or hemiplegia.
Disease-
Disease is usually defined as any condition that interferes with the normal function of the body.
Glaucoma-
a condition in which the intraocular pressure of the eye increases and interferes with vision,
Osteoporosis-
a condition in which calcium and other minerals are lost from the bones, causes the bones to become brittle and more likely to fracture or break. Arthritis, an inflammation of the joints, causes the joints to become stiff, less flexible, and painful.
Atherosclerosis-
transient ischemic attacks (TIAS), or ministrokes, which result in temporary periods of diminished blood flow to the brain. Each time an attack occurs, more damage to brain cells results.
Culture-
Culture can be defined as the values, beliefs, ideas, customs, and characteristics that are passed from one generation to the next. An individual's culture can affect language, food habits, dress, work, leisure activities, and health care. Culture creates differences in individuals
Dysphagia-
difficult swallowing, is a frequent complaint of the elderly. Less saliva and a slower gag reflex contribute to this problem
Incontinence-
Incontinence may also result from treatment for prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement of the prostate gland) or for prostate cancer.
Reality orientation-
consists of activities that help promote awareness of person, time, and place. The activities can be followed by anyone caring for the confused individual, whether the care is in the home or in a long-term care facility.
Autonomy-
they assert their right to choose and strive to be independent. Just as children learn that there are limits to independence, the elderly learn that independence can be threatened with age.
Delirium-
is the term used when confusion or disorientation is a temporary condition caused by a treatable condition. Stress and/or depression caused by physical or psychosocial changes is one possible cause.
Emphysema-
Structural changes in the larynx lead to a higher-pitched and weaker voice. Chronic conditions such as emphysema
Myths-
many myths, or false beliefs, still exist regarding aging and elderly individuals. It is essential for the health care provider to be able to distinguish fact
Senile lentigines-
Dark yellow or brown colored spots, called senile lentigines,