Aging Diseases
What is Alzheimer's disease?
A form of dementia that causes progressive changes in brain cells
What is Delirium?
Symptoms caused by high fever, kidney infection, dehydration, hypoxia (lack of oxygen), drug toxicity or other treatable conditions
What is Geriatric Care?
Care provided to older individuals
Myth: Elderly people are incompetent and incapable of making decisions or handling their own affairs
What is the actual fact?
Fact: Even though some experience confusion and disorientation, the majority of elderly individuals remain mentally competent until they die. In fact, older individuals may make better decisions and judgments because they frequently base their decisions on many years of experience and knowledge.
What is Gerontology?
The scientific study of aging and problems of the old
What is Arteriosclerosis?
A condition in which the walls of blood vessels become thick and lose their elasticity
What is Cerebrovascular accident?
Also commonly known as a stroke; damages brain cells
What is Reality Orientation?
Also known as RO, consists of activities that help promote awareness of person, time, and place
What is Gerontology?
The scientific study of aging and problems of the old
What is Glaucoma?
A condition in which the intraocular pressure of the eye and interferes with vision
What is Arthritis?
Inflammation of the joints
What is Dementia?
Also known as a brain syndrome, is a loss of mental ability characterized by a decrease in intellectual ability, loss of memory, impaired judgement, personality change, and disorientation
What are some physical or psychological factors that are important to consider when caring for elderly individuals?
Cultural and spiritual factors
What is Geriatric care?
Care provided to older individuals
What are Transient Ischemic Attacks?
Known as mini-strokes; results in temporary periods of diminished blood flow to the brain
What is Atherosclerosis?
When vessels become narrow because of deposits of fat and minerals, such as calcium
What is Incontinence?
The inability to control urine
What is an Ombudsman?
A specially trained individual who works with the elderly and their families, health care providers, and other concerned individuals to improve quality of care and quality of life
What is myths?
False beliefs
What is Senile Lentigines?
Dark yellow or brown colored spots also referred to as “liver spots”
What is Autonomy?
Self-governance or the ability to decide for oneself by making choices and pursuing a course of action
What is Osteoporosis?
A condition in which calcium and other minerals are lost from the bones; causes bones to become brittle and more likely to fracture or break
What is Culture?
Defined as the values, beliefs, ideas, customs, and characteristics that are passed from one generation to the next
What is aging?
Aging is a process that begins at birth and ends at death; it is a normal process that leads to normal changes in body structure
What are Cataracts?
Where the normally transparent lens of the eye become cloudy and opaque