Aging Diseases
Arthritis
inflammation of the joints
Nocturia
urination at night
Geriatric care
Care provided to older individuals
Myths
false beliefs
Culture
values, beliefs, ideas, customs, and characteristics passed down from one generation to the next
Alzheimer's disease
a form of dementia that causes change in brain cells
Cataracts
when the normally transparent lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque
Gerontology
study of aging and problems of the old
Disability
a physical or mental defect that interferes with the normal function of the body; A myth that elderly people all have disabilities.
Disease
any condition that interferes with the normal function of the body
Bronchitis
when the bronchioles become inflamed
Incontinence
inability to control urination
Ombudsman
a program that ensures the rights of the elderly
Autonomy
the ability to decide for oneself by making choices; elderly people are believed to not have a sense of automony
Spiritual
beliefs and practices of an individual
Arteriosclerosis
condition in which the walls of blood vessels become thick and lose elasticity
Dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
Reality orientation
consists of activities that help promote awareness of a person, time, and place
Dementia
loss of mental/intellectual ability; many believe that a lot of elderly people have dementia
Thrombus
blood clot
Osteoporosis
when calcium and other minerals gets lost from the bones, causing them to become brittle and fragile
Senile lentigines
dark yellow or brown spots on skin
Glaucoma
when the intraocular pressure of the eye increases and interferes with vision; this is a care practice for eye doctors, such as Optometrists.
Cerebrovascular accident
stroke; people assume old people are prone to having a stroke
Delirium
term used when confusion or disorientation is a temporary condition caused by a treatable condition