Heart and Circulation
The general term for the thickening and hardening of artery walls
Arteriosclerosis
A decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Dementia
Inflammation of the joints that causes pain and stiffness.
Arthritis
Clouding of the eye's lens that causes blurry vision.
Cataracts
The scientific study of the aging process.
Gerontology
A specific type of hardening caused by the buildup of fats and cholesterol
Atherosclerosis
The most common progressive brain disorder causing memory loss.
Alzheimer's Disease
A condition where bones become brittle and easy to break.
Osteoporosis
Damage to the optic nerve, often caused by high pressure in the eye
Glaucoma
Special medical and nursing care designed specifically for the elderly.
Geriatric Care
A blood clot that forms in a vessel and remains at its site of origin
Thrombus
A sudden, temporary state of severe confusion often caused by illness or medication.
Delirium
Involuntary loss of bladder or bowel control.
Incontinence
A lung condition causing shortness of breath due to damaged air sacs.
Emphysema
A patient's right to make their own decisions about their medical treatment.
Autonomy
Temporary "mini-strokes" that serve as warning signs of a full stroke
Transient Ischemic Attacks
A care technique used to help confused patients by reminding them of the date and place.
Reality Orientation
The medical term for difficulty swallowing.
Dysphagia
Chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
Bronchitis
A legal advocate who investigates complaints in long-term care facilities.
Ombudsman
The clinical name for a stroke, occurring when brain blood flow is interrupted.
Cerebrovascular Accident
False beliefs about aging, such as the idea that being old means being "senile."
Myths
The need to wake up frequently during the night to urinate.
Nocturia
Flat brown or black spots on the skin, commonly known as "age spots."
Senile Lentigines
A person’s sense of peace, purpose, or connection to a higher power.
Spiritual