Ch. 09 Geriatric Care
Alzheimer's disease
A progressive disease that affects the brain, causing confusion and memory loss.
Disability
: A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Autonomy
The right of an individual to make their own decisions and be self-governing.
Arthritis
: An inflammation of the joints, causing them to become stiff, less flexible, and painful.
Culture
: The values, beliefs, ideas, customs, and characteristics passed from one generation to the next.
Emphysema
: A chronic respiratory condition in which the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs) lose their elasticity.
Dementia
: A loss of mental ability characterized by a decrease in intellectual ability, memory loss, and disorientation.
Dysphagia
: Difficulty in swallowing, often caused by less saliva or a slower gag reflex.
Bronchitis
: A chronic condition in which the bronchioles (air tubes in the lungs) become inflamed.
Gerontology
: The scientific study of aging and the problems of the old.
Incontinence
: The inability to control urination.
Arteriosclerosis
: A condition where the blood vessels narrow and become less elastic.
Glaucoma
: A condition in which the intraocular pressure of the eye increases and interferes with vision.
Delirium
: A state of temporary but acute mental confusion and disorientation.
Ombudsman
: A person who acts as a representative or advocate for elderly individuals.
Osteoporosis
: A condition in which calcium and other minerals are lost from the bones, causing them to become brittle and likely to break.
Nocturia
Urination at night, which can disrupt sleep patterns.
Cataracts
: A condition where the normally transparent lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque.
Senile lentigines
: Dark yellow or brown colored spots on the skin, frequently called "liver spots."
Atherosclerosis
: Narrowing of the arteries (often due to fatty deposits).
Thrombus
: A blood clot.
Cerebrovascular accident
: Commonly known as a stroke; occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted.
Myths
: False beliefs, especially those regarding aging and elderly individuals.
Reality orientation (RO)
: A program or method used to help a confused or disoriented person maintain awareness of person, time, and place.
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
: Brief episodes of diminished blood flow to the brain that cause temporary neurological impairment.