key terms
what is alzheimer’s disease
a form of dementia that causes progressive changes in brain cells
what is incontinence
what is geriatric care
care provided for older individuals
what is atherosclerosis
a condition in which the walls of blood vessels become thick and lose their elasticity, which is common in elderly
what is autonomy
self-governance or the ability to decide for oneself by making choices and pursuing a choice of action, which can be upsetting or frustrating
what is bronchitis
when the bronchioles become inflamed and decrease the efficiency and function of the respiratory system
what is nocturia
urination at night
what is gerontology
scientific study of aging and problems of the old
what is arthritis
an inflammation of the joints, causing them to become stiff, less flexible, and painful
what is culture
values, beliefs, ideas, customs, and characteristics that are passed from one generation to the next
what is dementia
also known as brain syndrome, is a loss of mental ability characterized by a disease of intellectual ability, loss of memory, impaired judgement, personality change, and disorientation
who is an ombudsman
specially trained individual who works with the elderly and their families, health care providers, and other concerned individuals to improve the quality of care and life
what is a thrombus
blood clot
what is a disability
a physical or mental defect or handicap that interferes with normal functions
what is disease
any condition that interferes with the normal function of the body
difficulty swallowing
what is osteoporosis
a condition in which calcium and other minerals are lost from the bones and causes it to become brittle and likely to fracture or break
what is senile lentigines
dark yellow or brown colored spots
what is emphysema
the alveoli losing its elasticity
what is arteriosclerosis
when the vessels become narrow because of deposits of fat and minerals, such as calcium
what is glaucoma
a condition in which the intraocular pressure of the eye increases and interferes with vision
what is TIA (transient ischemic attack
ministrokes that can result in temporary periods of diminished blood flow to the brain
what is delirium
when confusion or disorientation is a temporary condition caused by a treatable condition
what are myths
false beliefs
what is a cerebrovascular accident
stroke, which damages brain cells